Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires was once a dumping ground for urban debris, transforming a former bathing site into reclaimed land. A planned government facility project in the 1970s was abandoned, leaving the area undeveloped. Over time, nature began to reclaim the land, leading to its designation as an Ecological Reserve in 1986. Initially, porteños largely ignored the reserve, separated by the neglected Puerto Madero district. The revitalization of Puerto Madero in the early 1990s, transforming it into a trendy urban area, led to the reserve's rediscovery. Residents began visiting Costanera Sur to enjoy a natural escape within the city. Today, the 350-hectare reserve is Buenos Aires' largest and most biodiverse green space. It offers trails for walking and opportunities to observe over 300 bird species and 500 plant species. The area provides a refuge for porteños seeking nature without traveling far from the urban center. Its artificial origins are subtly revealed by the unusual types of rocks found there.
