Do not take the risk, go beyond …

Tourist Information

San Luis is a majestic and surprising province. There are valleys, hills, rivers, lakes and dams, hot springs and salt mines, symbols of prehistoric and modern periods, and remains of ancient ones. We invite you to meet nature and visit San Luis’ unique beautiful places. The starting point will be Km. 0, at Plaza Pringles. Do not risk your life, follow these recommendations. Go beyond.

Recommendations:

- Fill your car tank, and check the air in the tyres.

- Drive with headlights on when travelling through highways and routes.

- Always wear seatbelts.

- Always carry a plastic bag for garbage. Do not throw garbage through the car window. - Do not throw cigarette butts through the window, you could start a fire.

- Always hire tourist guides or local people who knows the place if you decide to go for a walk around the hills.

- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and a cap. Use sunscreen and carry fresh water.

- Do not forget to notify someone of your walk before you start (in case you get lost).

Recycling used batteries (Part I)

by Lorena Ávila Cantisani

Correspondent in Spain

soydeargentinacom@hotmail.com

Batteries are composed of different metals, such as mercury in button cell and alkaline batteries, or cadmium in rechargeable batteries. Other types also contain manganese, nickel and zinc. Not all batteries are the same, but they all have a high concentration of metals in their composition, which makes them toxic waste.

The development of technology has brought an increased consumption of batteries. Once batteries go flat and are no longer useful, they are disposed of anywhere, which is really hazardous to the environment. Batteries components can be reused provided they are properly recycled. A ton of batteries produce 600k of heavy metals.

The components of a single battery are enough to contaminate 40L of water during 50 years. If we think about this, we will be able to see the importance of recycling batteries more clearly.

How are batteries recycled?

The process starts by disposing batteries in proper containers. After that, they are carried to a recycling plant, where mercury is separated from other metals and materials which can be reused. Conventional batteries are chopped into small pieces within a nitrogen-refrigerated atmosphere. Once they are chopped, they are heated and condensed in a distiller.

A button cell battery can contaminate up to 600,000L of water.

In the plants for the treatment of mercury residues, such as Vaersa, in Buñol (Valencia, Spain), batteries are processed using a vacuum-thermal treatment, in which the mercury vaporizes. Vapor then passes to a combustion chamber where organic particles oxidize at a temperature of 800ºC. Finally, mercury goes through refrigerators, where it is condensed and turned into a liquid. The amount of mercury is not much, but it is 100% pure. Battery dust goes through different processes aimed at recovering the metals it contains. The useful ones are put to good use again, and the rest goes to the so-called landfills.

Other types of batteries are collected by authorized retailers, who take them to special disposal facilities.In Spain, the Ministry of the Environment regulates the processes that all types of toxic waste must go through, especially batteries.

There are also many organizations which collaborate in collecting spent batteries. ECOPILAS (Foundation for the Environmental Management of Batteries) was set up by the following companies: Cegasa, Duracell, Energizer, Phillips, Kodak and Sony, which are members of the Asociación Multisectorial de Empresas Españolas de Electrónica y Comunicaciones (ASIMELEC). The aim of this organization is to implement the first integrated system of batteries management in the field of electronics, and to make the disposal of batteries an easier task.

AERPAM (Asoc. Española de Recogedores de Pilas, Acumuladores y Móviles) promotes environmental education and awareness-raising activities through information campaigns.

Everybody, from producers, dealers, public organizations, NGOs, and the community as a whole must become aware of the importance and need of recycling these elements.

It is estimated that every person uses 10 batteries per year in Argentina, and that those batteries are incorrectly disposed of when they are no longer useful.

Brightly lit battery containers in shops and streets. Valencia, Spain

Laurus Nobilis (laurel)

by José Luis Coria

Agronomist

joluco_22@hotmail.com

Laurel is a beautiful tree that grows in gardens and parks. It has dark green leaves, and it is quite big. This species has special properties, among which we can mention its symbolic meaning of glory, power and victory, and others concerning health.

Its healing power is used in essential oils to mitigate neuralgias, rheumatic pain and skin diseases. The smell of burnt leaves purifies the air. Laurel leaves are also used in infusions to alleviate exhaustion, lack of enthusiasm, stomach ache, and respiratory diseases. Just 10g of leaves in 1L of water will be enough. Heat until boiling point, and drink 3-4 small cups everyday (always ask you physician first).

Bay leaves are excellent for seasoning dishes, especially soups and stews. If you use fresh leaves, you will need a larger quantity.

Nowadays, hardly anyone remembers or makes use of plants healing properties. We know that drugs are expensive, and that many of their components are extracted from plants, but we do not know recognize them because many plants are called by their scientific names. All plant species have healing properties.

Towards the Bicentennial Anniversary

by Roberto Espinosa

Writer-Environmental Specialist

jrobertoespinosa@hotmail.com

The Bicentennial Anniversary of the historical feat of May 1810 is just a few days away. Fireworks and sparklers shows will be broadcasted, and landmarks alluding to this historical date will be inaugurated. Lots of people will probably dance our traditional Pericón Nacional, as well.

Unfortunately, these ceremonies will take place, and none of the moral, political and social problems that gave rise to the movement leading to our Independence – which are still present and have worsened with the passing of years – will be dealt with. Again, we will have lost the chance to debate and agree on the kind of country we want.

Most Latin-American countries endure the consequences of demagogy and the simplistic speeches of politicians, whereas transnational corporations go on subduing these peoples, sacking, destroying and contaminating their natural resources without any type of restriction.

Consider what is happening in Argentina:

·        Foreign mining companies – which our legislation allows to work in the country without almost any control–, are destroying the enormous natural richness kept under our soil, thus destroying important natural environments, and contaminating rivers, brooks and glaciers.

·        Million hectares are being deforested to cultivate soybean, which is later exported. Nineteen million hectares were sown during the last productive campaign. We must consider that when soybean is exported, the fertility of our soil, and large volumes of water (2,500/3,000 m³ per ton) are also sold, and that the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals makes our soil barren and contaminates our rivers. This year, Argentina will export 58 million tons of soybeans.

The well-known sustainable development programs are carried out by deploying natural resources. Thus, environmental problems are caused by political and economic wrong decisions, just as poverty and famine.

The constitutional right to live in a healthy environment (section 14 of Argentina’s National Constitution) must be considered as a basic human right, a pre-requisite and a basis for others rights – human, economic and political  - to be enforced. A healthy environment is a sine qua non for living: no other right can be enforced in an unhealthy or altered environment.

¿Do we have to wait until the tercentennial anniversary to think about these topics?

The Animal Day (…is everyday)

[i]Who is the beast?

Observing respect for animal rights makes us better persons.

Last April 29th, we celebrated the Animal Day with activities aimed at raising people’s awareness on the proper care for animals, no matter whether they are wild or domesticated. The celebration took place in Plaza Pringles, in San Luis, together with representatives of the following organizations:

Argentina’s Criminal Code considers maltreatment and cruelty practices against animals as a misdemeanor offense punishable with prison in periods ranging from one (1) month to one (1) year.

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[i] This question makes reference to an expression used in Argentina to denote a person who misbehaves.

Tourism and Education

by Luis Omar Miranda

Teacher and Programmer

lomarmiranda@hotmail.com

San Luis projects itself as an important tourist destiny, both at the national and at the local levels. For this reason, it is necessary to improve the practice of this activity; it essential to improve both the infrastructure and the quality of human resources, the last of which is of outmost importance due to the fact that those people are the ones who deal with tourists. We must give a high value to education and training in any of the areas related to tourism, especially in those involving services and entertainment. In this way, we would avoid improvising and offering low-quality tourism.

Most tourism companies are family-run busnisses; parents and children alike share tasks and responsabilities. That is why it is very important that people pursue studies –secondary, tertiary or university) in areas related to tourism. There are several educational institutions which offer courses on tourism and related fields in San Luis.

There are three secondary schools offering training oriented to tourism, namely:

1. Colegio Nº 8 Mauricio P. Daract – where students graduate with a certifícate in Production of Goods and Services, or a certifícate in Recreation and Tourism. Through an agreement with Instituto Tecnológico from Universidad de a Punta, students can be directly admitted to the Tourism and Business Management programme.

2. Centro Educativo Nº6 Subsecretario Carlos Sadoc San Martín in El Volcán - where students graduate with a certificate in Recreation and Tourism.

3. Centro Educativo Nº19 Domingo F. Sarmiento, in San Francisco del Monte de Oro - where students graduate with a certificate in Spare Time and Tourism.

At the post-secondary level, Instituto Politécnico y Artístico Universitario –which is a branch of Universidad Nacional de San Luis – in Merlo offers the following programmes: University-level Tourist Guide, University- level Technician in Hotels Management, and University-level Technician in Tourism Management. Universidad Católica de Cuyo offers a graduate programme in Hotel Management and Tourism. Universidad de la Punta offers a technical programme in tourism.

The training options in the field of tourism are quiet varied. In the next edition, we will deal with the teaching of foreign languages, an area of vital importance for tourism.

Hueney gives you more!

by Paola Irastorza

Director of Guía Hueney

guiahueney@hotmail.com

Guía Hueney – bilingual edition

This month we are launching a bilingual edition with the purpose of furthering cultural exchange. Visit http://guiahueney.blogspot.com to read some of the articles in English. Graciela Lucero Arrúa (Sworn Translator) will be in charge of the translation of the articles. I would like to welcome her as part of our editorial team.

Raffle

We will be 4 years old in July, and we will celebrate this with a raffle. Win 1 day accomodation for two people in the recently built hotel “Cabañas Viejo Caldén”, in Potrero de los Funes, San Luis (Argentina).

Visit http://guiahueney.blogspot.com and e-mail us to guiahueney@hotmail.com, or text us to +54-02652548696 in order to participate. Tell us the name of the company in charge of the translations. Do not forget to send us your name and your ID number. The raffle will take place on June 21^st 2010.

Participate and win to belong to Guía Hueney!

The articles in this magazine are written and revised by professionals and students in different areas. Please acknowledge the source when citing them.

News from the sky

by Aldo Hugo Olguín

Professor of Mathematics, Physics and Cosmography

aldohugoolguin@yahoo.com.ar

During May and June, our planet will go around Virgo, Libra and Scorpion constellations. We will be able to see their stars high in the sky during the long and dark winter nights. 

Once in the dark of night, we will be able to see how the Southern Cross sets itself in vertical position, just like the hour hand of a huge clock pointing to the south.  Scorpion will be easy to spot because of its question mark shape, and because it is made up of stars set from north to south in the sky. Antares, the red star at the center of the constellation, symbolizes the heart of the scorpion, a mythological animal.

At this time of year, days become shorter and nights become longer, the sun is inclined more to the north, and loses some of its brightness, whereas the moon  and the planets can been seen brighter and higher in the sky. By the 22^nd of June, the sun starts reducing its inclination to the north and begins its return. This period, which extends from June 18^th to June 26^th, is called still sun, or Winter solstice in the south hemisphere, and it marks the change of the season.  Stars are more visible than usual, and since weather conditions are generally good, we just need to be well wrapped -up and to sit comfortably to watch the sky. 

Venus will be the morning star, and it will be next to the moon by May 16th. This will be a great show at dusk! On May 23rd, Mars (the red star), Saturn (the yellow star), and the crescent moon will be together at dusk. Do not miss this! While observing, you might be surprised by a beautiful shooting star … make a wish!

GUIA HUENEY’s awards and ongoing projects

Guía Hueney would like to thank ECOCULTURA Association for the award they gave us as “Ciudadano Solidario 2009, en reconocimiento al invalorable aporte que ha prestado a la comunidad de San Luis”, (Supportive Citizen 2009, in recognition for promoting local culture, heritage and development).

This has been a truly satisfactory experience for all those who collaborate with Guía Hueney.

You can browse through Guía Hueney’s previous editions at:

1- Urbano J. Núñez Public Library – Potrero de los Funes

Opening hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m.

[i]Remedial lessons: Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tel: +54-02652-495082. Email: bibliotecapotrero@yahoo.com.ar

2- Roque Alberto Orozco Public Library

Located within CANAL 13 (San Luis) precincts

Elijo Potrero, elijo San Luis (I choose Potrero, I choose San Luis)

This is the name chosen for the book whose publication has been proposed by Guía Hueney. The original idea for making this book belongs to Rosario Flores (resident of Potrero de los Funes).

Its main aim is to show the character of Potrero de los Funes by reproducing the testimony of families from other provinces in Argentina who chose to invest and live in this village. The book contains the life stories of these families, as well as the reasons why they chose leaving their past and start a new life in this province. It also gives an account of the tourist attractions that should not be overlooked.

This project has been submitted to the City Council of Potrero de los Funes and to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports.

El Cacique

This is name given to the rocky formation known as Quebrada de los Cóndores. The petition for making this area a tourist attraction - as well as the project for restoring the Amigo de los Cóndores Association - was submitted to the provincial Ministry of Tourism (File No. 31480/08).

Within the framework of the Plan Maestro de Turismo (Master Tourism Plan), Guía Hueney, together with CAMTUR (Cámara de Turismo de Potrero de los Funes [Potrero de los Funes Chamber of Tourism]) has also submitted the project called “Revalorización de Zonas Naturales como Atractivos Turísticos” (Raising Environmental Awareness of Natural Areas as Tourist Attractions). This Project - which involves Juana Koslay city, Potrero de los Funes, and San Luis Government - has three main objectives:

1- Creating a new Access route to Potrero de los Funes, from Juana Koslay.

2- Improving the routes around the area of Quebrada de los Cóndores, whose big potential as a tourist attraction is nowadays wasted.

3- Promoting sports, recreational and cultural activities in the area.

This Project has been submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports.

Ecological Park “Las Aromáticas” (Aromatic Plants)

Together with the environmental scientist, Roberto Espinosa, we have submitted a project for creating parks by using a technique unique in our country. The aim of this project is to raise people’s awareness to keep open spaces clean, and to promote the use of aromatic species. We believe this project will be a hallmark for future generations. Likewise, we believe this project may promote the beginning of waste classification as a business, which will be possible thanks to the integration of the community into ecological and development programs.

This Project has been submitted to the City Council of Potrero de los Funes.

Native fauna of San Luis

Together with FOAPRA (Spanish acronym for “Federation of Environmental Organizations and Animal Protection Organisms”), we have organized a series of lectures aimed at spreading the word on the protection of the Pampas deer, which is one of the local endangered species. The series of lectures have been organized within the context of a call to participate in the Annual Program of Bicentenary Celebrations organized by the National University of San Luis.

For more information about these projects, write to guiahueney@hotmail.com

Guía Hueney, a magazine everyone can be a part of.

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[i] N.T: remedial lessons are given to students (both at elementary or high school) when they find it difficult to study a particular subject/topic. This service is often a paid one, but it is offered for free at public libraries and schools.

Helping is very simple

Last January 12^th, the most violent earthquake in 200 years took place in Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, where 80% of the population was already under the line of poverty. The death toll rose to over 200,000, more than 3 million people were affected by the quake, and 97% of the buildings collapsed.

The following analogy could be useful to think about the magnitude of the disaster: The capital city of San Luis has a population of more than 160,000 people. An earthquake like the one that took place in Haiti would kill the entire population of San Luis.

Give Haiti the chance to build her own future by asking the settlement of her foreign debt.

CHILE: we are truly sorry about the tragedy our neighbor country suffered last February 27^th as a consequence of a series of earthquakes and tsunamis that took place in the area.

We hope our solidarity can be expressed through actions leading to help and assist people in this country.

Visit www.inspiraction.org to help in any way you can; sign the petition to settle Haiti’s foreign debt.

Helping is very simple through the Internet. Thank you.

News from the sky

by Aldo Hugo Olguín
Professor of Mathematics, Physics and Cosmography

aldohugoolguin@yahoo.com.ar

March and April are synonyms of autumn in our latitude. Cool days and nice temperatures invite us to contemplate nature in its entire splendor: trees take their foliage off, flying seeds and multicolor leaves dance everywhere to the rhythm of autumn breeze.

When the Sun heads north, moving its light away from the Earth and decreasing the heat it projects to the Earth, nature gets ready for its winter sleep.

Autumn is a period of change and transformations, where energy is stored and preserved as food for winter, when everything that has been produced during summer turns into potential power for a big rebirth.

Today we know our planet moves around the Sun, and it also moves among other stars in the galaxy. However we do not notice that, we just perceive seasonal changes, which are a consequence of these movements.

March 20th is the date when the Earth reaches a point in its orbit known as autumnal equinox in the South hemisphere, and vernal equinox in the North hemisphere. At this point, the day is exactly the same as the night in its length.

On March 17^th, Venus will be next to the Moon - between Pisces stars - at dusk (watch the moon).

On March 25^th, Mars will be next to the Polux twin stars and the Gemini beaver at midnight.

In opposition, Saturn will be next to the Moon on March 29th (watch to the East at nightfall).

Between April 16^th and 25^th, after midnight, you will be able to see the Lyriads, a beautiful meteor shower you cannot miss.

Happy Autumn for everybody!

OUR ATTRACTIONS - Visit the South

by Paola Irastorza

Guía Hueney Director

guiahueney@hotmail.com

This time I will write about different regions in our country.

Guía Hueney travelled through the South area of San Luis up to Puerto Madryn, Chubut province. It was a long journey, and we covered over 2,700 Km. This journey made me measure how big is our country, and showed me there are large areas of lands we do not profit from.

Unlike the South, San Luis has winding roads

It was sad to observe that most of the arable land in the area was filled with soy crops (in a country where soy consumers are so few).

The highway ends as soon as we cross over San Luis’ borders. Outside San Luis there are only two-way roads, which turn the journey a little bit more complicated, especially if one does not know the roads very well.

Definitely, our San Luis has the best roads in Argentina, but they lack adequate road signs.

As we get closer to the South, you will notice there is less vegetation, and plants are short. The landscape is desolate and there are salt lakes. For this reason, all we wanted to do when crossing over this area was to reach the sea. We went over Colorado River – the same one it takes the name of Río Negro -, which has a width of about 300 m. This river flows into the Atlantic Ocean in the area of El Cóndor (Viedma, the capital city of Río Negro, which we also visited).

Las Grutas

Las Grutas, is a tourist village in Río Negro, whose main attraction are the beaches and the hot water. I personally think these beaches are best than the ones in Mar del Plata, probably because they still have not been ruined by mass tourism.

Colorado River

Puerto Madryn has history, majesty and a windy climate. You will be delighted at observing the beautiful shape of the peninsula, the movement of the waves and the city itself, which is austerely developed. Whales sighting takes place in December, the month chosen for tourists to visit Puerto Madryn.

Hueney and I in Puerto Madryn, Chubut

We returned via La Pampa and through the South of San Luis. That was a bad choice because the road from Nueva Galia to Villa Mercedes is being turned in to a highway. There are no shoulders in this area and road signs are few.

Guía Hueney’s 27th edition was read in the South (Nueva Galia, Buena Esperanza) and Southeast of San Luis (Villa Mercedes, Justo Daract), South of Córdoba (Vicuña Makena, Huinca Renancó), Northeast of La Pampa (Realicó, Santa Rosa), Northeast of Río Negro (Río Colorado, Gral. Conesa, San Antonio, Las Grutas, Sierra Grande, Viedma), South of Buenos Aires (Carmen de Patagones, Bahía Blanca) y Northeast of Chubut (Puerto Madryn).

*Check that your car is in good conditions to travel.

*Consider there is no mobile phone signal in several areas.

*Remember the universal emergency numbers are 101 and 911.

It is advisable to travel during the day if the journey takes more than 8 hours. Stop for a good rest halfway to your destination and sleep in a bed. A good rest is vey important to avoid accidents. 

Native Forests Territorial Law

by José Roberto Espinosa

Environmental Especialist

jrobertoespinosa@hotmail.com

Deforestation and forest fires have destroyed 70% of forest and jungle areas in our country during the last decades. San Luis has also suffered the effects of these devastating actions: the annual deforestation rate in the period 1998/2002 was the highest at the world average level, and it was also higher than those of provinces with similar phytogeographic characteristics, such as Formosa, Chaco and La Pampa. This fact cannot be underestimated when it comes to thinking about laws regulating the use and preservation of San Luis native forests, especially in the context of the need for actions to stop the critical state of species like the Prosopis – carob, tintitaco and caldén - which are now endangered.

The passing of the National Act No. 26331, which deals with the protection of native forests and the allocation of a budget for environmental issues, was a very important step in the field of preservation, since it stipulates that every province must work on the creation of laws aimed at preserving native forests in their territories. It also provides for the creation of different categories of preservation according to the environmental value of species and the benefits forests imply.

This Act also makes clear what should be considered a native forest, namely: natural forest ecosystems - especially those made up of old native tree species- , diverse associated flora and fauna, the surrounding areas (soil, subsoil, atmosphere), climate and water resources, which form inter-dependent zones with their own characteristics and multiple functions. This definition leads one to think that those ecosystems made up of bushes and/or natural grassland areas should not be considered native forests. And this is apparently what was taken into account when the natural forests map was designed. This map, which is part of the Appendix I of the Act IX-0697-2009, does not show bush areas and grasslands as native forests. What is more, it leaves those areas uncategorized, which is a big mistake, given the fact that they are important ecosystems which must be preserved and carefully handled.

So, most of the orographic system of San Luis sierras – where the most important river basins originate -  was not included in any protected category. The same happened with the large plains in the Pampa grasslands, which cover an area of approximately 2 million hectares.

The dune area - with grasslands and Chilean Palos verdes (Geoffroea decorticans) grouped in small islands - which I have referred to above, is made up of vegetated fossil dunes and recently formed sand dunes. Dunes, which originate in sandy soils, are made up of a fine sand area which ranges from the mid-center to the south of San Luis. Dunes form an ecotonal zone with the phytogeographic region of the southeast and with the west area, which makes its flora much more diverse and richer. This should be a characteristic worth taking into account when assessing and revising the Act.

The territorial planning map approved by the Provincial Act IX-0697-2009 considers 3 categories:

Category I - RED: high conservation value areas which should not be transformed

Category II - YELLOW: mid-conservation value areas which can be restored. These areas have a high value of conservation and may be used in the following ways: sustainable use, tourism, scientific collection and research

Category III - GREEN: low conservation value areas can be totally or partially transformed, though within the legal framework.

San Luis Environmental Associations suggested Category IV – ORANGE for areas which should be preserved, such as algarrobo and carob forests. The orographic system of San Luis sierras is also included in this category, as well as the Pampa grasslands and the caldén forests.

Be nice to plants

by José Luis Coria

Agronomist

joluco_22@hotmail.com

Most environmental problems today are man-made. One of them is the inadequate treatment of plants: people usually prune trees in the wrong season or does it incorrectly, thus damaging them.

Pruning is a form of “art” that can only be put into practice by those whose know when, why and which species can be pruned. Seasons have changed, and trees dormant seasons take longer.  

Trees must be pruned from May 1st to August 15th. These dates should not be ignored.

Being nice to plants is a synonym for taking care of ourselves and thinking about our descendants. Trees do not need us to survive, but we do. 30% of the air we breathe comes from trees.

Wise suggestions: look for someone who can really teach you about pruning. When pruning, you cannot take a tree its foliage off in the mistaken belief that it will give a better shade. Taking care of and shaping a tree takes a long time, and you can destroy it in seconds by doing things incorrectly.

Take care of trees, they are very valuable!

Waste management (Spain)

by Lorena Avila Cantisani

Press correspondent in Spain

soydeargentinacom@hotmail.com

Waste has become a source of wealth which has a high priority in Europe. Companies profit from recycling, and they periodically compete for garbage collection before local governments. They receive financial support from European economic funds for the collection of urban or industrial garbage, and they are also granted a subsidy by the Ministry of Industry and Research for the automation of the recycling process.

In many cases, it is the government who gives the companies proper containers, and sometimes the companies themselves buy the containers if the business is profitable enough.

Underground containers can store more garbage and take up less space

Containers are arranged so that they can be filled and emptied as much as possible. Garbage is collected in special trucks. Waste is classified as a) plastic, cans and tetra-packs, b) paper and cardboard, c) glass, and d) organic matter, and they are collected separately. Organic garbage, such as pigs urine or remains of olive pressing, are later used to produce bio-fuel, natural fertilizers, etc. Industrial garbage is also classified and collected separately.

Citizens are the ones who play the most important part in this process, since waste classification is done by them first, and it is their responsibility to put each type of waste in the correct container.

Europe is certainly a step ahead in this issue, and we should learn from their experience. I’ll tell you more in coming issues...

Greetings from Valencia, Spain.