Do you know that Quintas de Sarandí stands as a testament to a unique agro-ecosystem? It is a relic from a bygone era. Imagine Buenos Aires as it was in the 19th century. Much of the area looked like Quintas de Sarandí. This area represents the last bit of that past.
Quintas de Sarandí is located within the central-southern part of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Region. More specifically it lies on the coast of the Río de la Plata. It’s part of the Avellaneda district. It is about eight kilometers from the center of Buenos Aires.
Italian immigrants shaped Quintas de Sarandí. They came mostly from the Genoa region. They brought their farming knowledge to this area. They transformed the coastal ecosystem into an agricultural hub. They developed a canal system for irrigation and navigation. These canals supported small farms. They also supplied Buenos Aires with produce for decades.
Viticulture thrived here too. It gave the zone an identity as a producer of sought-after wines. The wines of the coast were popular. This tradition continues today on a smaller scale.
Small boats used the canals to transport people and goods. They traveled between the Quintas and the port of La Boca. This method of transport was abandoned in the early 20th century. Roads became the preferred way to travel.
Quintas de Sarandí faced environmental challenges over time. The Matanza-Riachuelo River became polluted. This significantly impacted the area. The waters used for irrigation became poor. This affected the production of vegetables, fruits, and grapes.
The Dock Sud petrochemical complex also isolated the area. The construction of Acceso Sudeste further contributed to this isolation. Landfill projects by CEAMSE added to the problem.
Today, efforts are underway to improve water quality. The Integral Matanza-Riachuelo Plan aims to gradually recover the waters. Improvements are also expected regarding the petrochemical complex and CEAMSE.
Quintas de Sarandí retains its cultural landscape. It also has patches of the original coastal forest. It has great potential for sustainable development. It could become a green space for multiple uses. These could include production, recreation, and environmental education. It could even serve the wider metropolitan area.
The current population of Quintas de Sarandí continues traditional practices. These relate to soil and land management. They are descendants of the farmers from the mid-20th century.
However, a new environmental conflict has emerged. The area receives waste from demolitions in the metropolitan region. This material is used as landfill.
In 1998, the local government bought land for an industrial park. Fortunately, this plan was abandoned. The land is now used as an ecological reserve. This area is open to the public. It offers views of the Río de la Plata. It has restrooms and dedicated personnel. Quintas de Sarandí now represents a blend of past and future. It faces challenges while holding onto its unique identity.