Mar 14 • 10:35 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Bariloche: The controversy over the real estate project to urbanize almost 80 hectares of Cerro Catedral renews

The development plan proposed by Catedral Alta Patagonia to urbanize the base of Cerro Catedral has sparked renewed controversy in Bariloche.

The real estate project aimed at urbanizing 79 hectares at the base of Cerro Catedral is once again a hot topic in Bariloche, driven by Catedral Alta Patagonia (Capsa), the ski center's concessionaire. This redevelopment plan was initially presented in 2018 and is tied to a concession renewal contract lasting until the end of October 2056, which was intended to modernize key infrastructure such as snow-making facilities and ski lifts.

Capsa's urban development plan, which includes the construction of a permanent and temporary residential hotel base, involves six designated areas of concerted occupation (AOC). The project has faced significant opposition from environmentalists and local residents who argue that such urbanization could lead to detrimental impacts on the region's ecosystem, as well as change the character of the traditionally natural landscape.

As this controversy reignites, community discussions are likely to focus on balancing economic development with environmental conservation, highlighting the tension between promoting tourism and preserving Bariloche’s unique natural environment. The local government’s decisions regarding this project could set precedents for future developments in the region, influencing both the economic landscape and the environmental integrity of Bariloche for decades to come.

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