Argentina Weakens Glacier Protection Law, Heightening Water Crisis Concerns

Argentina’s Congress has weakened the glacier protection law by passing a controversial amendment. This allows mining in glacier regions, which was previously prohibited.

In 2010, the Glacier Law was approved, protecting glaciers as water reserves and prohibiting all kinds of mining and exploration activities.

The new reform shifts authority to designate protected glacier zones from the federal Argentine Institute for Snow, Ice and Environmental Sciences to individual provincial governments.

President Javier Milei supports this change, arguing it empowers provinces to manage their natural resources while facilitating mining operations in areas “where there was nothing to protect.”

The Senate passed the bill in February 2026. The lower house’s endorsement has removed all restrictions.

Environmentalists and climate activists are concerned about the amendment. They argue that it puts water resources at high risk, as without water, growth and development projects cannot be considered.

Greenpeace warns that not all glaciers and peri glaciers can be considered strategic water reserves.

The biologist from Greenpeace explains that these environments consist of water inside and feed rivers and streams in our country. However, large parts of Argentina are arid or semi-arid regions where water is scarce.

Backers of the amendment criticize the opposition, calling it a way to portray the mining industry as a monster.

Under this bill, glaciers and periglacial environments will be protected unless provincial leaders can demonstrate these areas do not function as strategic water reserves.

Argentina has 16,968 glaciers, providing water to 36 river basins across 12 provinces.