our inspiration
our inspiration
Juan Carlos Chébez
(October 31, 1962–May 15, 2011)
In 1975, aged just 13, Juan Carlos Chébez founded and presided over the Argentine Nature Conservation Association (ACNA). Soon afterwards, he joined the Ornithological Association of La Plata (Aves Argentinas), of which he would later become president. This marked the beginning of his long journey through the world of nature, which would become his great passion: conservation for future generations.
Not even military service could deter him from his calling. With characteristic enthusiasm, he convinced his superiors to send him to Isla de los Estados in search of the Southern River Otter, the elusive mustelid that had been keeping him awake at night. His concern for endangered animals began to take shape. After completing his military service, he joined Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina and began exploring the diverse natural environments of Argentina. He arrived in Misiones, captivated by the jungle’s mysteries and secrets.
In 2007, he took advantage of an agreement between the National Parks Administration and the Ministry of Defence to create the first Military Nature Reserves. Thanks to his keen sense for spotting important conservation sites, Juan Carlos managed to establish more parks and reserves than anyone else had ever achieved in such a short time.
He was also the catalyst for the creation of La Fidelidad National Park, a 250,000-hectare ranch between the provinces of Chaco and Formosa, thanks to a technical report he prepared and made public. The park should be named after him in tribute.
He wrote a large number of books, which are now undoubtedly reference material for technicians, scientists, naturalists, conservationists, and enthusiasts. He also gave an incredible number of lectures, always ending with the audience giving this man, who lived to conserve the natural heritage of all Argentines, a standing ovation.
He was also a singer-songwriter, describing life in the jungle, its cultures, traditions, myths, and legends in his songs. His music is used in many schools in the province to teach children about the creatures that live in Misiones, passing on his passion to future generations. He recorded his album “Cantos de la Selva” (Songs of the Jungle) in January and February 2001 in Puerto Iguazú (Misiones).
Juan Carlos Chébez passed away at the age of 48, but he left behind a seed that had not been considered before: ecology. A seed that took root in all young people, who today reap the harvest of his vision and achievements.
Juan Carlos also had an excellent instinct for determining who might be best suited to interpret his message. He understood the “talkers,” as he always called them, but his passion was for the “doers,” those who accompanied him in his intimate conversations late into the night, designing and seeking alternatives to preserve some small piece of forest where wildlife still thrived.
Juan Carlos was lengthy when it came to explaining in great detail every action to be taken.
Those of us who had the opportunity to share those long hours in which he kept us in suspense, expectant for his wise words, know that Juan Carlos is present and shines permanently in our hearts.
Today, now that he is gone and we miss him, the seed he sowed has sprouted, and many of us have learned the value of what it means to PROTECT in order to CONSERVE, thanks to him.
Thank you, Juan Carlos, THANK YOU, MASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He wrote several books, the titles of which are listed below, and was also the co-author of numerous technical and educational articles and special reports.
- Mamíferos silvestres del archipiélago fueguino. (1993)
- Los que se van. Especies argentinas en peligro. (1994)
- Fauna misionera. (1996)
- Los mamíferos de los Parques Nacionales de la Argentina. (1997)
- Reservas Naturales misioneras. (1998)
- Las aves de los Parques Nacionales de la Argentina. (1998)
- Guía de las aves de Iguazú. (2002)
- Los reptiles de los Parques Nacionales de la Argentina. (2005)
- Senderos en la selva misionera. (2005)
- Guía de las Reservas Naturales de la Argentina. (2005) en 5 tomos.
- Mamíferos silvestres de la provincia de Misiones, Argentina (2006)
- Los que se van. Fauna argentina amenazada. (2008) en 3 tomos.
- Otros que se van. (2009)
- Misiones/Aves (2009)
- Nuestros Árboles (2010)
- Misiones/Árboles (2011)
Due to his extensive knowledge of endangered species, he was a consultant for numerous national red lists compiled by the Argentine Herpetological Association (AHA), the Argentine Society for the Study of Mammals (SAREM), and Aves Argentinas, also responding to numerous inquiries from international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and BirdLife International.
