by Brent Brannen, JB Boonstra, John Ceisel
There are many things to consider in the papeleras controversy between Argentina and Uruguayan environmentalists. This issue does not appear to be a black and white controversy about how it will affect both the Argentine and Uruguayan people. Rather, a very gray issue has arisen, both with pros and cons present on both sides. The resolution of this matter does not appear to be in sight within the foreseeable future.
Uruguay suffered a severe economic depression in the early years of the new millennium, of which it is still experiencing the effects. The palelaeras will increase in industry and that resulting increase will boost GDP by strengthening the national economy. All are considered major draws for Uruguay and doubtlessly are the cause for the country’s push for the papeleras. Those proposed papeleras will be some of the largest and most technologically advanced wood pulp processing plants in the world. They would be backed by major international companies from Spain and Finland. Together, this multi-billion dollar initial investment in Uruguay’s economy to build these two papeleras will potentially yield considerable annual profit. Considering the recent economic regression in the country and its overall lack of large economic development, Uruguay has the possibility to make great gains from the papeleras.
Uruguay’s profitability could come at an immeasurable price to its neighbor and usually strong-bonded ally, Argentina. The Argentine government and the majority of its population believe that the proposed papeleras could have detrimental environmental effects on the river that forms the natural border between the two countries. Not to mention the side effects that would seemingly take place alont on the banks of which the plants would be built as well. Argentina contests that the most of the harm would befall its side of the river. Uruguay, claims to have evidence of impact studies that suggest negligible possible effects on the surrounding environment. Consequently, Argentina protests that these tests are not adequate and has demanded more studies performed by third parties that both countries approve. The IMF and World Bank have agreed to aid in funding for the papeleras, pending further environmental impact tests. Greenpeace and other international environmental protection groups have also become involved in what has become an intercontinental dispute. Greenpeace and other environmentalists point to historical evidence of environmental catastrophes caused by paper pulp mills, similar to those proposed. The historical situation brought most to the forefront is an incident that took place in Rio Cruces in Southern Argentina. A papelera which was built there has been documented and directly blamed for having caused massive loss of life and endangerment to certain species of water fowl found in that region. This is duly attributed to the pollutants produced by the factory annihilated a specific water plant on which the birds fed. Greenpeace is comparing that catastrophe to the current dilemma if the papeleras in question are allowed to be built and operate. The factories, magnified by the presence of two, have the possibility to have many dangerous effects on the surrounding environment.
After reviewing the facts and talking to students and other Argentinos, we have come to the following conclusion; Uruguay is in the wrong on this issue. Though Uruguay has much to gain and it is unfortunate the possible economic gain that must be forgone, Uruguay cannot sacrifice the environmental stability. It would be detrimental to their own land and neighboring countries while detereorating the strong, political and economic bonds between themselves and Argentina. The environmental impact is clearly debatable and anything but certain, the impact on the partnership of the two countries is much more predictable. Uruguay will severely hurt the friendly, prosperous relationship between them and Argentina. This in itself has the potential to undo the economic prosperity promised by the construction of the papeleras. At the very least, Uruguay should agree to the terms set forth by Argentina to bring in a mutually agreeable third party to run extensive environmental impact tests until Uruguay has done all it can to convince the people and government of Argentina that this is a smart and safe decision for both countries.
