Península Valdés

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A Natural Marvel: The Península Valdés, Argentina's UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Península Valdés, nestled within the Viedma Department of northeastern Chubut Province in Argentina, stands as a testament to the breathtaking diversity and resilience of marine life. This 3,500 square kilometer peninsula, bordering the San Matías Gulf to the north, has earned international recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since its inscription in 1999.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Península Valdés in Patagonia is a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals. It is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whale as well as important breeding populations of southern elephant seals and southern sea lions. The orcas in this area have developed a unique hunting strategy to adapt to local coastal conditions.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

Criterion (x): Peninsula Valdés contains very important and significant natural habitats for the in-situ conservation of several threatened species of outstanding universal value, and specifically its globally important concentration of breeding southern right whales, which is an endangered species. It is also important because of the breeding populations of southern elephant seals and southern sea lions. The area exhibits an exceptional example of adaptation of hunting techniques by the orca to the local coastal conditions.

Encyclopedia Record: Valdés Peninsula

The Valdes Peninsula is a peninsula into the Atlantic Ocean in the Viedma Department of northeast Chubut Province, Argentina. It is bordered by San Matías Gulf to the north. It is an important nature reserve which was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

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