Issues of law, issues of fact: The paradox of women's role in the management and conservation of biodiversity in Argentina

The reform of the Argentine Constitution in 1994 entailed the recognition of the right of all inhabitants to a healthy and balanced environment, suitable for human development and for meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future genera- tions to meet their own needs. In line with this right, the Argentine State has adhered to and complied with these main environmental principles and developed agreements and legal in- struments to introduce and enhance the idea of gender equality in environmental protection issues. It has recognized the critical role of women in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Through the analysis of current regulations and indicators that account for the presence of women in government positions, this article shows a paradoxical gap between legal rules and facts about women & PRIME;s effective and full participation. Although there have been significant advances since 1994 in the promotion and implementation of policies aimed at gender mainstreaming and diversity perspectives in some government areas, such as the National Protected Areas (National Parks), unequal access for women to rights related to the environment still prevails.