The History of the Argentine Oil Industry: From Privatization to Environmental Concerns

The story begins in the 20th century in Argentina, where men and women played a significant role in creating the country's oil industry. The discovery of oil in Comodoro Rivadavia in 1907 marked the start of this epic journey.

In the 1920s, engineer Enrique Mosconi, known as the 'San Martín of the 20th century,' along with General Alonso Baldrich, established the world's first state oil company, Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF), in Argentina. This move was pivotal for industrialization and the country's autonomy.

The development of the Argentine oil industry is intertwined with the history of YPF. Under the leadership of Jorge Newbery, YPF rapidly expanded, demonstrating that a public enterprise could compete with private companies in the fuel market.

In the 1960s, the government of Arturo Frondizi granted oil concessions to multinational companies, leading to later conflicts and nationalization efforts. However, in 1982, Argentina achieved oil self-sufficiency. Unfortunately, the subsequent dictatorship of General Videla led to debt and corruption, culminating in the privatization of state-owned oil companies.

The region of Golfo San Jorge in Argentina, spanning from Chubut to Santa Cruz, hosts numerous oil wells producing thousands of liters of oil per day. Despite the significant production, much of the revenue remains in the hands of private companies, posing challenges for the country's oil industry.

After meeting colleagues from different parts of the country, a decision was made to distribute and work in various territories during a campaign. The initial motivation stemmed from the belief that their professions were meant to contribute to the country. Working in oil fields, railways, and exploration camps held a certain romanticism, with a sense of pride and identification with the chosen profession.

Working in the oil industry involves round-the-clock shifts, with workers enduring extreme temperatures ranging from scorching summers exceeding 35 degrees Celsius to freezing winters as low as -20 degrees Celsius. The job is physically demanding, with workers facing the risk of severe accidents, although safety measures have reduced accident rates. The intense work environment fosters a sense of pride and mystique among workers.

The solitude experienced by oil workers, especially in remote locations, can be profound. Workers become accustomed to isolation, leading to discomfort in crowded urban settings. Family relationships may suffer due to extended periods of separation, creating a sense of disconnect and unfamiliarity with loved ones.

The closure of the State-owned company IPF had a profound emotional impact on workers, akin to the grief of losing a loved one. The disappearance of the company was incomprehensible and led to intense sadness, anguish, and a sense of loss. The closure resulted in health issues, premature deaths, and family breakdowns, with some workers resorting to extreme measures like suicide.

The privatization of IPF, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, marked a significant shift in the industry. The move, led by the Justicialist Oscar Parril, included provisions for privatizing IPF, impacting the sovereignty of the region. The privatization was seen as a threat to local autonomy, potentially leading to depopulation, while also affecting investment and economic restructuring in Santa Cruz.

Today marks a historic day for Argentina as the ownership of oil passes from the state to the provinces. IPF becomes a publicly traded company with private investment, benefiting retirees with billions of dollars from the state's assets.

The privatization of IPF and Gas del Estado involved bribery and fake deputies, leading to the loss of Argentina's major companies. Retirees and workers were deceived, never receiving their rightful shares or profits.

The privatization of IPF was one of the biggest scams in Argentina's history, linked to the illegitimate external debt from the dictatorship era. The government under Raul Alfonsin recognized and paid off this debt, allowing for the sale of IPF and Gas del Estado at undervalued prices.

Over 20 years, Argentina gave away 5000 million barrels of crude oil to oil companies, equivalent to $500 billion today. This privatization deal was unprecedented, with Argentina losing its oil and gas without a war.

The privatization of IPF and Gas del Estado was a betrayal by the ruling class, involving corruption and fraudulent practices. The sale of IPF, in particular, was marked by gross misconduct, with assets sold at a fraction of their value.

The privatization of Gas del Estado, once the third-largest gas company globally, was sold for a fraction of its value. The fleet of 71 ships was reduced drastically, with only 25-30 ships remaining stable before disappearing during the IPF privatization in the early 1990s.

Eduardo Vicent, a captain of ships in the 1960s, influenced the speaker's passion for the maritime industry. The speaker, having been on numerous voyages aboard ships since childhood, witnessed the disappearance of this industry from daily life. The speaker's satisfaction lies in recovering the historical fleet archive of IPF, which played a significant role in the industrial development of Argentina and Patagonia.

Following privatization, communities like Comodoro Rivadavia, Cutral-Có, and Plaza Huincul faced abandonment and economic decline. The speaker laments the loss of stability and prosperity, highlighting the drastic change from a time when there were no salary issues and all needs were met.

The closure of industries and businesses in 1996 led to widespread unemployment, culminating in protests like the one in Cutral-Có. The movement escalated into a piquetero movement, with roadblocks and clashes with authorities, resulting in casualties and a significant impact on the community.

In the face of repression and violence, the community of Cutral-Có showed courage and resilience, forcing authorities to retreat. The roadblocks led to temporary employment for the unemployed and the emergence of popular leaders like José Pepino.

The workers of IPF in General Mosconi formed the Union of Unemployed Workers, a social organization that aimed to rebuild the community amidst poverty and government neglect. The organization provided employment opportunities, recreational activities, and a sense of unity in the face of adversity.

The building was constructed with Peña's raffle, and many people collaborated on the project. Over the years, 120 projects have been completed. In recent times, there has been a shortage of officials and teachers, with most new recruits being assistants.

The speaker entered the mining industry in April 1975 and worked at Yacimiento Norte until being laid off in September 1991. Starting work at a young age of 6 or 7 due to financial constraints, the speaker's family has a long history in mining, spanning three generations.

The speaker's family has a tradition of working in mining, with three generations involved. The speaker's father worked for 36 years, the speaker for 17 years, and the speaker's brother for 22 years in the industry.

General Mosconi played a significant role in the speaker's hometown, General Mosconi, fighting against Standard Oil. The speaker's father was respected by General Mosconi for his contributions to the region, which was vital in giving life to the area.

General Mosconi led by example in the company IPF, emphasizing ethics and public interest. He instilled a culture of integrity, where even a pencil couldn't be replaced without returning the used one. Mosconi's hands-on leadership style and dedication to ethical practices inspired a generation of employees.

The speaker highlights the neglect and lack of infrastructure in their hometown, with no pavement, gas supply to 70% of the population, or basic amenities. The speaker criticizes the abandonment of the town post the departure of PF, leading to a crisis in energy and wastage of resources.

Argentina used to have a thriving heavy industry, producing items like pipes and hydraulic pump parts. However, over time, this industry has declined significantly. Currently, most of these products are imported from the United States, including even small tools. This shift has led to the abandonment of drilling towers and a lack of local production.

There are drilling towers in Argentina capable of drilling wells from 5000 to 7000 meters deep. Interestingly, these towers are now mostly operated by equipment imported from the United States. Even older wells are being reactivated, which is seen as a form of exploitation by multinational companies, as they are not investing in new technologies.

Multinational oil companies in Argentina have been accused of exploiting resources and controlling access to oil fields. They have even blocked roads, acting as if they own private territories within the country. This behavior has raised concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability in the industry.

The Argentine oil company IPF was eventually sold to the Spanish company Repsol during Menem's presidency. This sale marked a significant shift in ownership, with foreign entities gaining control over key oil assets in the country. The concentration of ownership led to the disappearance of many private gas stations.

Panamerican Energy, a major player in the Argentine oil industry, has a complex ownership history involving multinational companies like Amoco, British Petroleum, and now a Chinese state-owned oil company. The company has shown significant growth, doubling its production and reserves over the years, making it one of the most successful oil companies in Argentina.

Panamerican Energy has demonstrated impressive financial performance, investing around $800 million annually and doubling its production and reserves. This success has solidified its position as the most successful Argentine oil company post the 2001 crisis. The comparison of its profitability with other global oil companies like British Petroleum would provide further insights into its financial standing.

Oil production in Panamerica is around 55 units, with prices ranging at 55. The profitability of oil companies is highlighted, with reported barrel costs of 6 to 7 units while selling at an average of 50 units to refineries. The annual revenue of oil companies has fluctuated between 21,000 to 27,000 million dollars, emphasizing the significant financial impact.

Victor Bravo, an oil engineer and chemical engineer from the National University of Litoral, received a scholarship from Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales in 1963. He worked at the Argentine Oil Institute and currently works with his son, Gonzalo, who has been following his footsteps for the past 10 years.

The oil concessions and contracts in Argentina have been successful mainly in production, as companies have been reluctant to invest in exploration and take risks. The discovery of oil reserves in Argentina was mainly due to IPF, with extensions in areas already proven to have reserves. The focus has been on production and development rather than exploration.

The change in policy delegating investment and expansion in the energy sector, including oil and other industries, to private hands has led to disinvestment, lack of exploratory wells, and a decline in natural gas reserves. Over the past 8 years, natural gas reserves have decreased significantly, with gas almost reaching a 30-year low. Instead of investing in gas pipelines within Argentina, resources were squandered, leading to a situation where the country now imports gas.

During the 1990s, 11 gas pipelines were constructed for neighboring countries like Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil, while none were built within Argentina. As a result, 40% of the population in Argentina still lacks access to natural gas, leading to unemployment and hardship for many families.

There is a plea for IPF to return to the area to conduct exploration drilling, as current operators are exploiting state-owned wells, allegedly stealing gas and oil. The community is suffering from a lack of resources and opportunities, with many young individuals forced to migrate to the Patagonia region in search of work.

Repsol's activities, such as drilling and cleaning wells with harsh chemicals like hydrochloric acid, have led to environmental contamination, affecting groundwater and endangering local populations. The community faces the consequences of pollution, with wildlife being displaced and residents experiencing health issues. Despite these challenges, the region continues to pay exorbitant prices for gas, with social welfare programs like subsidized gas cylinders being scarce.

State-owned wells continue to be exploited without proper authorization, with Repsol allegedly extracting gas and oil and transporting it without utilizing local refineries. The lack of oversight and regulation from national, provincial, and municipal authorities allows for the unchecked exploitation of resources, leading to economic losses and environmental damage.

The speaker, born in an indigenous community named Ardo Antonio Paliza de Chico a MEC zro, has a family of 21 children, with 10 working already. He is the cacique of his own community, with ancestral roots from his parents who have Guarani, Mataco, and Tova heritage. The speaker's family has been pioneers in the area, with a strong connection to mining.

The speaker excels academically, scoring 10 in social studies, natural sciences, and 9 in mathematics. He has a small library with antique books, particularly valuing a book about Enrique Mosconi. Additionally, the speaker's children engage in educational activities using an old computer, showcasing their skills in drawing and gaming.

The speaker demonstrates how he utilizes abandoned oil wells on his property to extract oil for heating water and starting fires during rainy seasons. He mentions using a unique method involving small containers and wires to extract the oil, which is a mix of pure oil and gas without any water content.

The speaker highlights the environmental risks posed by unregulated oil exploitation, leading to contamination of water sources and land. He discusses the negative impact of open-air waste pits used by private corporations, emphasizing the need for stricter controls to safeguard the environment and local populations.

The speaker highlights the environmental issues in Painamil C, where the area frequently floods, leading to contamination that affects the river Neuquén. The contaminated air spreads pollutants, impacting not only the residents but also animals, plants, and the overall ecosystem. The land is degraded, with dry plants and polluted water sources, altering the traditional way of life for the Mapuche people.

The discussion delves into the cultural transformation from a traditional Mapuche identity deeply connected to nature to a petro-dependent culture. This shift is described as the 'culture of terror' and 'death,' poisoning the community with heavy metal contamination. Shocking statistics reveal residents in Painamil C have high levels of heavy metals in their bodies, indicating severe pollution.

Verónica Wiip, a spokesperson for the Mapuche Confederation, successfully sued the oil company Repsol for contaminating water sources. This legal victory sheds light on the detrimental impact of oil drilling activities on the environment and public health in the region.

The detrimental effects of the petrochemical industry on climate change are discussed, emphasizing the role of hydrocarbon consumption in exacerbating the greenhouse effect. The civilization built on oil is described as declining, with global warming, glacier melting, and water scarcity posing significant threats to humanity.

The community of Wii faces safety risks due to the proximity of oil pipelines, highlighting the potential dangers of living near such infrastructure. Past incidents, like the Mesita H tragedy where 17 people died due to a pipeline explosion, underscore the urgent need for safety measures and proper maintenance of oil pipelines to prevent disasters.

Indigenous communities near oil refineries and pipelines face environmental challenges, with exposed pipelines encroaching on their settlements. The lack of communication and consultation with indigenous residents regarding land use and potential hazards reflects a broader issue of environmental injustice and disregard for indigenous rights.

The speaker expresses frustration about the environmental issues at work, mentioning that the company refuses to provide any assistance despite the harm caused. They highlight the disposal of contaminated water and the lack of veterinary support for sick animals due to highly salinized water from the drilling.

The speaker visits Calilegua National Park, where an oil field operates. Park rangers advocate for the enforcement of forest laws to combat deforestation caused by fires and expansion of agriculture.

Marcelo Fernández, with 20 years of experience in national parks, fights against pollution, fires, and water theft by agricultural and oil corporations. He emphasizes the need to protect the environment from corporate exploitation.

The oil well number eight in the park is the most productive in Argentina, yielding 7 million barrels of crude oil. This oil could build 3000 homes. The state relinquished control to energy companies, leading to environmental damage and misuse of water resources.

Established in 1979 during the military dictatorship, Calilegua National Park faces conflicting land use due to the coexistence of oil exploitation and protected areas. The park's creation aimed to restrict mining and oil activities, highlighting the ongoing legal conflict over resource privatization.

The main impact of the Yacimiento IPF, located in the 92nd natural area, is the environmental liabilities due to poorly sealed wells. There are 24 wells that act as time bombs if abandoned, as evidenced by the high salinity and contamination of nearby water sources. The abandonment of these wells poses a significant risk.

The well JCA 17, currently inactive for oil extraction, is in a state of disrepair with rainwater accumulation containing hydrocarbons and maintenance residues. Lack of proper maintenance, such as a cover or grate, poses environmental risks and highlights the importance of vegetation in the Calilegua park area.

The vegetation in Calilegua park faces extinction due to agricultural expansion and deforestation. The unique plant species in the area are at risk, with 7% of the forest already cleared and only 1% protected. The expansion of soybean cultivation and deforestation by oil companies continue to threaten the native forest.

Since 1977, nearly 30% of the forests in Salta have been cleared, with significant deforestation impacting the region. The rampant deforestation poses a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability, requiring urgent conservation efforts to protect the remaining forested areas.

Local communities are collecting wood from large companies to sustain their livelihoods. Initiatives like obtaining wood donations help families earn a living, especially for those with children to support. This collaborative effort showcases the community's resilience and resourcefulness in the face of economic challenges.

Local youth face challenges such as unemployment and social issues, leading to disruptive behavior like public disturbances. Addressing the root causes of these behaviors, such as lack of opportunities and guidance, is crucial to fostering a positive environment for youth development and community well-being.

Providing mentorship and guidance to youth is essential for their development and well-being. Offering support, care, and setting clear expectations can help steer young individuals towards responsible behavior and a positive future. Building trust and communication with youth is key to fostering a supportive community environment.

Maradent emphasizes the importance of teaching young individuals respect for schedules, places, and responsibilities. She recounts instances where young men expressed gratitude towards her for guiding them in life, highlighting the need for discipline and preparation for future employment.

Maradent actively participated in the Unión de Trabajadores Desocupados, engaging in roadblocks, community projects, workshops, tree planting, and street cleaning. Despite being from Bolivia and initially coming to Argentina to study, she found her calling in hairdressing, which she pursued for 35 years.

The deforestation of the forest that retained rainwater led to tragic consequences in Tartagal. The resulting uncontrollable torrent destroyed infrastructure, causing floods in February 2006 that resulted in multiple deaths and displaced families.

The narrator, Juan Carlos Fernández, known as 'hipi,' describes the severe impact of deforestation on the community. He highlights the formation of a natural river due to deforestation, leading to potential isolation as vital infrastructure like railways have been destroyed.

The community faces a health crisis with approximately 10 to 12 deaths, mostly young individuals, due to various diseases exacerbated by the environmental degradation. The narrator expresses concern about the potential disappearance of the community due to the destructive practices causing illness and death.

Several community members, including Lupu and Daniel, have suffered from serious health issues such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, and contamination-related illnesses like hidatidosis. The lack of proper sewage systems and clean water sources has led to widespread infections and health problems in the population of approximately 2500 residents in Mosconi.

As a rural doctor in charge of the local health center for the past 5 years, there has been a rise in dehydration cases during summer, along with an increase in diseases like dengue, malaria, and Chagas disease. The changing climate has exacerbated health issues, with more frequent floods and illnesses affecting both children and adults in the community.

The contamination of water sources by oil companies in the region has led to serious health consequences for residents. The lack of proper water treatment facilities has resulted in the spread of diseases originating from polluted water sources. Despite efforts to address the issue, many residents continue to consume contaminated water, perpetuating the cycle of illness and contamination.

During Nestor Kirchner's presidency, progressive measures were implemented, such as renewing the Supreme Court, repealing dictatorship-era laws, and prioritizing human rights policies. However, these progressive actions were counterbalanced by continued privatization of mineral and oil resources, with Kirchner extending oil concessions and exploring new contracts in offshore drilling areas like the South Atlantic and the Malvinas Islands.

Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands, driven by the oil-rich basin surrounding the islands, led to a conflict with England. The UK, in defiance of UN resolutions, established a powerful military base on the islands and began oil extraction. There are calls to not compensate the UK with concessions from English companies operating in Argentina.

Nestor Kirchner's privatization wave began with the controversial extension of the Cerro Dragon contract without a bidding process. The concession, which started in 1958, was extended for 90 years until 2047. The contract between Pan American Energy and the Chubut province government was signed in the office of the National Planning Minister, Julio Devido. The extension was requested before Kirchner left office, raising concerns about the legality and impact of the deal.

The Cerro Dragon contract extension, valued at $50 billion, was signed hastily at midnight without following formalities. The extension, almost to the point of perpetuity, was deemed damaging due to its timing and financial terms. The deal, which favored the oil companies, was approved by the legislature despite constitutional violations. The contract's terms were highly criticized for not benefiting the state adequately.

The petroleum industry's influence in politics was highlighted by companies selecting presidential candidates, reminiscent of past corrupt practices in Argentina. Several governors from oil-rich provinces were mentioned for their ties to oil companies, leading to financial struggles in most oil-producing provinces. Despite having oil resources, Argentina now imports a significant portion of its gas, impacting its energy independence.

The Minister of Planning, Julio Devido, faced criticism for the energy policy that favored private interests over national benefits. The policy led to a significant increase in private national energy production share but failed to address the country's energy needs adequately. The state's attempts to reclaim energy assets were questioned, with instances like the Dipf purchase benefiting Kirchner's associates rather than the nation.

The acquisition of Dipf, where the new owners bought without investing their own money, raised suspicions of political favoritism. The deal, orchestrated by Kirchner, benefited his friends, the Eskenazi bankers from Santa Cruz. The financial arrangement involved a credit of $1 billion from banks and an advance of $200 million in dividends from Repsol. The subsequent financial burden on Dipf raised concerns about its sustainability and impact on Argentina's energy sector.

IPF's mysterious purchase of Repsol without money led to fuel price increases that now cost the government 1%.

The re-privatization of oil sparked reactions from social organizations, political parties, and the movement for national energy recovery.

Enrique Mosconi advocated for the recovery and nationalization of hydrocarbons for the social benefit of Argentinians.

The active defense of Argentine oil began towards the end of Hipólito Yrigoyen's presidency, aiming to develop state-owned oil fields.

Ideas of nationalism spread in Latin America post the Mexican Revolution and the 1918 university reform, advocating for anti-imperialism and socialism.

Generals Mosconi and Baldr formed the Continental Alliance to unite Latin America in defending oil, with Mosconi traveling to Peru, Mexico, and the US to promote the idea.

The oil reaction led to a military coup by General Uru, ousting the radical president, with subsequent arrests of Mosconi and others on corruption and communist charges.

General Agustín Justo assumed the presidency in 1932 after fraudulent elections, facing opposition from the young radical left during the infamous decade.

IPF's example expanded across Latin America, with Mexico nationalizing oil in 1938, Brazil creating Petrobras, and Juan Perón establishing Gas del Estado.

In late 1938, the first gas pipeline in Latin America was inaugurated, connecting Comodoro Rivadavia with Buenos Aires, spanning 1 km and being the world's longest at the time.

In 1949, the new constitution was promulgated, declaring oil, coal, and gas fields as inalienable properties.

Various Latin American countries like Russia, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Ecuador nationalized their oil companies in the 21st century, an action that allowed them to recover control over their oil resources. Notably, Bolivia's nationalization under Evo Morales led to the country using oil revenue to eradicate illiteracy.

Countries like Norway, Venezuela, and Bolivia have successfully managed state-owned oil companies. Norway's state-owned company in the North Sea has become one of the world's largest investment funds, contributing to the country's high standard of living. Venezuela's PDVSA was rescued by Chavez, enabling the exploitation of the Orinoco Belt, a significant oil reserve. Bolivia's nationalization of oil helped fund social programs and infrastructure development.

If the private sector's share of oil revenue, around $12 billion annually, were managed by the state in Argentina, it could lead to significant economic benefits. With proper management, the state could achieve nearly 80% self-sufficiency in investments, potentially benefiting the Argentine population with approximately $12 billion annually. This revenue could be used to alleviate poverty, improve infrastructure, and create jobs.

The speaker advocates for the creation of a federal state-owned oil company in Argentina where provinces and the nation jointly own and manage resources. This model would ensure transparency, merit-based appointments, and congressional oversight. Drawing inspiration from Venezuela, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning oil revenue with the well-being of the entire population through a national or interprovincial agreement.

The speaker highlights the importance of a cultural battle in Argentina to ensure that oil resources benefit the population as a whole. Emphasizing the need for educational institutions to play a role in this cultural shift, the speaker suggests leveraging existing cultural assets to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among the people towards oil resources.

Significant struggles for the defense of oil resources have occurred in northern regions near the Bolivian border. An anecdote about a battle at a cemetery during an anniversary of Aníbal Verón's assassination illustrates the intense fight for control and protection of oil resources in these areas.

In Mosconi, the police faced resistance from the local population during a violent repression. The townspeople, described as ordinary individuals, emerged from hiding places to confront the authorities. The situation escalated to the point where the police were forced to retreat, reminiscent of scenes from a war movie like Vietnam.

Amidst the chaos, a violent confrontation ensued between the police and protesters, resulting in injuries. A wounded protester was seen being attended to without immediate access to medical assistance. The clashes were reminiscent of past incidents in 2000 and 2001 where police violence led to fatalities.

Protesters resorted to drastic tactics, such as using a tanker truck to breach police barriers. The protests yielded tangible results, including the creation of job opportunities, a 50% debt forgiveness, and assistance for over 4000 homeowners facing mortgage issues. The protesters demanded their rightful entitlements with determination.

Mara, a lawyer, highlighted the plight of over 600 activists facing legal persecution for their anti-globalization stance. These activists, marginalized and unemployed since 1992, resorted to road blockades as a last resort for voicing their grievances. Despite facing numerous charges, including arson and coercion, there is a lack of substantial evidence against them, emphasizing the failure of the state to uphold human rights and basic needs.

Despite being an advocate for justice, the speaker, along with Dr. Raimundo Sosa, authorized the repression, torture, and mistreatment of individuals, including indigenous communities, disabled persons, men, women, and children, who were transported over 400 km. The speaker allowed and processed these actions, leading to severe consequences.

The speaker expresses surprise at the colleague's accusations, citing a legal provision in the penal code regarding road blockades. The speaker denies any persecution and highlights past detentions and legal processes involving the accuser, emphasizing the existence of documented cases and the requirement for monthly court appearances despite living 400 km away.

The speaker discusses significant victories in legal battles, noting the liberation of 600 popular activists who were previously prosecuted but are now free. These individuals serve as examples of resilience and dignity, showcasing the power of resistance against repression.

The speaker highlights the transformative initiatives undertaken by the UTD, where the consciousness of resistance has been channeled into practical projects for the unemployed. These initiatives include repairing schools, creating a university branch, organizing courses and workshops, and engaging in environmental projects like reforestation and recycling.

The speaker discusses the empowering impact of community work, particularly among indigenous communities like the Ladrillera Son C. By involving older generations in teaching traditional crafts to younger individuals, such as pottery, the community preserves its cultural heritage and provides valuable skills to its members.

The speaker details the collaborative efforts of 380 individuals, including women and indigenous communities, in the Union of Unemployed Workers. Through the establishment of 20 cooperatives and completion of 96 housing units in 8 months, the group demonstrates the power of collective action and self-sustainability.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation by planting native species in a nursery established beneath drilling towers. By cultivating various plants like Pacho Colorado, Tipa Colorada, and Cedro Negro, the community contributes to biodiversity preservation and sustainable practices.

Reflecting on the interconnectedness of humans and nature, the speaker underscores the need for harmonious coexistence. Criticizing consumerist habits driven by capitalism and neoliberalism, the speaker advocates for responsible resource management to ensure a sustainable future for all living beings.

Humanity must change consumption patterns to address ecological concerns. Developed countries have an essential responsibility to shift towards less consumerist cultures and gradually replace fossil fuels with solar and wind energy. However, in the short to medium term (20-30 years), oil, natural gas, and coal will still be necessary to meet energy consumption needs.

Recalling the night when Paliza regained freedom after being detained, sharing ice cream with family, including the son number 22, Chiru López working in Mexico, dreaming of returning to Comodoro Rivadavia. Felix Herrero studying a significant project for the country, and 80-year-old Víctor Bravo continuing research on energy matrix changes. Mar Puntano and her husband, journalist Díaz Muñoz, facing house intrusion and theft of camera. Mari and Pepino, always sharing what little they had without complaints or requests.

Gathering at the water tank, looking at the mountain where crude oil flowed, expressing conviction in recovering what was lost. Despite challenges, there was a sense of inevitability in facing new beginnings and embracing the dawn of a new day.