Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Argentina’s Perito Moreno glacier, one of dozens of massive ice formations found in Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park. Beyond their beauty, glaciers also hold over half of the Earth’s freshwater globally – in Argentina, they are an essential water resource for millions.

Yet, environmental watchdogs and journalists have warned that the government is planning to pass a decree modifying the Glacier Law (Law 26.639) to reduce the area of glacial territory protected from mining, oil exploration, and other extractive activity. 

The modifications would permit such activities in the areas immediately around glaciers. Experts warn that such activity would irreversibly harm glaciers and periglacial zones, and consume large volumes of water.

The Glacier Law was adopted in 2010 following sustained civil society protest against mining activity, principally the Pascua Lama project in San Juan province, led by the Canadian multinational Barrick Gold. The law sets definitions of glaciers and periglacial zones, the areas of frozen earth surrounding glaciers that play a key role in the water cycle. It also establishes minimum standards to prohibit certain economic activity in or near those areas. 

Climate advocacy organizations have warned that reducing the law’s scope could have devastating impacts on mountain ecosystems, global temperatures, and access to clean water in Argentina.

In March, FARN stated: “Glacial melt has increased alarmingly in recent years, putting vital freshwater reserves at risk. In Argentina, these ecosystems are protected by law, yet pressures from the mining sector persist.”

FARN’s press release came on the heels of clashes between water defenders and provincial authorities in Mendoza in February 2025, in what advocates say has been a crackdown on free speech. Provincial governor Alfredo Cornejo has signaled a commitment to encourage mining projects as a vehicle for economic growth.