As part of the certification process to obtain the international ecotourism seal Blue Flag, Balneario La Florida presents “La Travesía del Sauce Criollo”, a traveling work of art that is part of the city’s environmental education agenda. This artistic and community project is part of a larger effort focused on environmental education, waste management, safety and water analysis.
«The Journey of the Creole Willow» is a monumental sculpture created by the internationally renowned artist Alejandro Propato, a specialist in large-scale sculptures in natural public spaces. Inspired by the Creole willow, a tree that grows along rivers and whose seeds are dispersed through water, the work combines art and environmental awareness in an innovative way. The structure simulates the trunk and branches of the willow, while its foliage is built in a participatory manner using reusable PET plastic strips.
In this regard, more than 30 institutions, including cultural centers, NGOs, neighborhood associations, faculties, municipal departments, the Aquarium and the River Advisory Council, have already joined this process, as well as 25 schools that participate in the construction of the canopy. In addition, 9 collection centers for plastic bottles have been set up at strategic points in the city: the municipal centers of the South, North and Central districts, the Center for Contemporary Expressions, the Parque España Cultural Center, the Municipal School of Urban Arts, the Faculty of Humanities and Arts and the Argentine Library.
It is worth noting that the project not only seeks to raise awareness about the importance of the Creole willow and reforestation with native species, but also to promote reflection on consumption and its impact on nature. Thus, “The Journey of the Creole Willow” is an opportunity to unite community wills in pursuit of positive change.
“We believe that by uniting community wills, we will generate the necessary change while reflecting on our consumption and its impact on nature. We want to highlight the importance of reforestation with native species and how we can all be agents of change,” they stressed from La Florida.
Activities schedule
- 13/09: Assembly of the structure.
- 16/09: Seminar “Art as a path to nature”, by Alejandro Propato at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts, School of Fine Arts.
- 17/09: Environmental Fair for secondary schools within the framework of Youth Week at the Paraná River Aquarium. Recreational space of the Environment Secretariat. Exhibition stand. Tour of the Aquarium and Botanical Garden.
- 19/09: Cutting stand within the framework of “Painting Dreams” at the CMD Centro.
- 21/09: Start of the placement of the first PET branches with the arrival of spring.
- 09/28: Cutting stand at the “Sustainable Festival” of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts.
- 05/10: Planting of native species together with the NGO Más, Parques y Paseos and the Ministry of the Environment in La Florida.
- 12/10: Family day in La Florida to help build the foliage, with music and shows about native flora and fauna for children, together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Blue Flag
The iconic Blue Flag is the world’s most widely recognised voluntary eco-label, awarded to beaches, resorts, yacht clubs and sustainable tourism vessels. To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of strict environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
More about La Florida: Recognition for lifeguards
Leonardo Manino, Head Lifeguard at Costanera Rosario, was recently awarded two important distinctions. On the one hand, he was named ambassador of the Lifesaving World Championships 2024, an event held in Gold Coast (Australia), between August 28 and September 1.
He was also honoured with the title of “Knight in the Order of Lifesaving” by the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS), which recognises his exceptional contribution to the ILS and his dedication to preventive and educational work in the field of water rescue.
