Geohistorical analysis of uses and activities on the waterfront of the "Parque Atlántico Mar Chiquito" reserve, Argentina

Abstract

Mar Chiquita is a small seaside town located in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The everyday life of its residents has been considerably affected since the area was declared a biosphere reserve in 1996. The harmonization of its preservation along with the human activities has become the main challenge for the community. A geo-historical analysis of the different human activities carried through the waterfront of the natural reserve was conducted in order to identify conflict of interests, incompatibilities between the various activities and other issues of preservation. That being said, the main aim was to determine key elements in order to improve the area management. The results obtained allows us to identify the main problems of the waterfront and to establish a set of measures so as to ensure a proper management of the area. Moreover, strategic units were identified in order to ensure land-management policies and to redesign the protected area.