Cristian Larsen: '95% of forest fires were caused'

Cristian Larsen, president of the National Parks Administration (APN), gave an extensive interview to Infobae, where he addressed the main challenges of his administration.

From the contentious territorial situation with the Resistencia Ancestral Mapuche (RAM), to the forest fires in Patagonia and the deregulation of the tourism sector, to the need for more park rangers in the country.

Territorial security: Mapuche conflicts and the role of the State

Larsen explained that one of the priorities of his administration is to ensure security in national park territories. He specifically mentioned the recovery of lands in Lago Mascardi and Los Alerces National Park.

"It's important for the State to be present to restore order and ensure that the parks aren't taken or usurped by any group," stated the head of the APN.

Regarding the Resistencia Ancestral Mapuche, the official assured: "Today they aren't seen, they're more isolated. They used to be seen in urban areas like San Martín de los Andes, but now they've retreated."

This, he argued, is the result of judicial actions taken and the end of agreements "that allowed them to build houses within the national parks."

He also confirmed that they are working in coordination with Chile to combat the outbreaks of violence and fires in La Araucanía. "They have cameras and send us videos of how these people are setting fires in several spots simultaneously," he indicated. Regarding Facundo Jones Huala, he stated that from Chile "he claimed responsibility for the fires in Argentina."

Forest fires: intentional causes and detainees

Larsen reported that 95% of the forest fires that occurred in 2024 and 2025 were intentionally set. "Only one was due to natural causes," he detailed regarding the fire in Nahuel Huapi, caused by a lightning storm.

Regarding Lanín National Park, he reported that more than 20,000 hectares were burned. He also confirmed the arrest of people involved in the fires in El Bolsón, highlighting the case of a woman who had "a whole plan to set fires."

The deregulation of tour guides and the boost to tourism

As part of his proposal to reduce bureaucracy, Larsen argued that they seek to promote nature tourism by providing greater freedom to service provider companies.

"When one goes to a museum, some choose an audio guide and others prefer to explore on their own. We say that the State should only intervene when safety is at stake," he explained.

The measure aims for companies to decide whether or not to include tour guides in low-risk activities, such as walks on the Iguazú or Perito Moreno walkways.

"80% of the excursions will continue hiring guides," he predicted. He also highlighted the low fee that guides pay (10,000 pesos annually), compared to what companies charge for excursions, which range from 180 to 200 dollars per day.

The need for park rangers and employee control

Regarding APN staff, Larsen reported the addition of 54 new park rangers, joining the current 2,200 employees. He noted that, upon taking office, there were 2,450 workers, but after implementing a fingerprint attendance control system, there were 100 resignations and 200 administrative dismissals.

Currently, national parks have 500 park rangers and 400 brigade members, while the rest of the staff is administrative. "Almost 500 people are in Buenos Aires and the rest in the 39 national parks we have," he specified.

For Larsen, "strengthening the park ranger corps is key" and he announced that 35 more are in training. He concluded by highlighting Perito Moreno's vision: "He did it with the aim of conserving and enjoying nature for future generations."