Territories for Conservation? Capitalist Strategies for Appropriating Nature in Los Glaciares National Park in the Argentinean Patagonia

Abstract

Starting in mid-twentieth century, a growing number of Protected Natural Areas were created with the purpose of conserving biodiversity. More recently, as economic values have prevailed over any other considerations, alternative tourism has developed in these areas, which amounts to the capitalist appropriation and commodification of nature. In Argentina, National Parks were the first form of nature conservation. In its early stages, this model of protection, which included human settlements and some productive activities, was seen as a strategy for upholding national sovereignty. More recently, and in line with international tendencies, sustainable tourism has become the only economic activity developed in national parks with the authorization of the Argentinean state. In order to analyze the dynamics of territorial appropriation and commodification of nature, this chapter focuses on the development of tourism in Los Glaciares National Park (LGNP). We use qualitative research methods to create territorially based knowledge through participatory processes. We combine archival work with individual and group interviews with key informants. Our first findings show that LGNP was created with the purposes of strengthen national sovereignty and protecting nature in the area. These initial goals have been gradually transformed with the incorporation of green economy strategies. We conclude with a discussion of the role of conservation against the backdrop of strategies of capitalist expansion.