Argentina

CISP has been active in Argentina since 1988, establishing itself as a key actor in community empowerment, risk management, environmental protection, and humanitarian assistance. Throughout its history, the organization has maintained a significant territorial presence, coordinating actions with indigenous communities, state institutions, and local organizations to drive sustainable human development processes. 

Between 1988 and 1996, CISP focused its efforts on environmental education, waste management, and administrative institutional strengthening. In 2002, it returned to the country to support the recovery of the socio-productive fabric following the economic crisis. Since 2020, it permanently resumed its operations alongside Fundación delAlto and Fundación CISPA, with support from ECHO – European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations of the European Commission, addressing food emergencies within indigenous communities in northern Argentina. 

Currently, CISP implements initiatives aimed at increasing institutional and community resilience to extreme climate events and socio-environmental hazards, particularly in the Bermejo River basin within the Gran Chaco region.  Field operations cover the provinces of Salta, Chaco, and Formosa, reaching: 

• 130 indigenous communities strengthened for organized network response to emergencies; 
• Over 120 state and community institutions trained and supported in risk management and disaster preparedness. 

All interventions incorporate an intercultural, gender, and child-rights-based approach, promoting environmental protection, community organization, and dialogue with public entities to build resilient territories. 

CISP’s Main Areas of Expertise in Argentina 

Comprehensive Humanitarian Assistance and Protection of Vulnerable Populations 

CISP delivers humanitarian responses to socio-environmental emergencies that particularly affect indigenous communities in northern Argentina. Actions include: 

• Emergency food assistance for highly vulnerable families; 
• Distribution of essential supplies and capacity building for food security; 
• Psychosocial support and recovery for communities affected by climate and health crises. 

A differential approach ensures targeted assistance for women, children, and indigenous communities, prioritizing dignity, equitable access to services, and the protection of life. 

Education, Human Development, and Community Empowerment 

CISP fosters educational processes designed to improve quality of life and strengthen community cohesion. Interventions focus on: 

• Environmental education, with an emphasis on land protection and sustainable resource use; 
• Training in integrated risk and waste management, environmental impact prevention, and community care practices; 
• Development of local capacities for administration, social organization, and active participation. 

Education is understood as a strategic pillar to enhance autonomy, foster peaceful coexistence, and build community resilience. 

Sustainable Livelihoods and Socio-Environmental Development 

As part of its track record, CISP has supported socio-productive recovery and the adoption of sustainable practices. Initiatives aim to: 

• Promote territory-adapted productive strategies; 
• Improve food security with an environmental approach; 
• Promote traditional practices and ancestral knowledge linked to environmental preservation. 

This approach balances economic and ecological sustainability while respecting the cultural diversity of indigenous communities. 

Risk Management, Territorial Resilience, and Climate Action 

This serves as one of the central pillars of CISP’s action in Argentina. Across the provinces of Salta, Chaco, and Formosa, the organization has built institutional and community capacity to: 

• Organize early warning systems and collective response mechanisms; 
• Prepare for extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts; 
• Coordinate efforts between local communities and public agencies; 
• Develop risk management plans with intercultural relevance. 

Thanks to this work, 130 indigenous communities and more than 120 institutions are now equipped with tools to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to socio-environmental threats. 

Local Governance, Participation, and Community Empowerment 

CISP promotes institutional and organizational strengthening processes designed to: 

• Enhance administrative capacities of local institutions; 
• Strengthen community leadership, particularly among indigenous peoples; 
• Drive participatory spatial and territorial planning; 
• Foster coordination between communities and provincial bodies. 

Community organization is an essential axis for establishing resilient territories and ensuring sustainable risk management and development processes. 

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment 

Gender mainstreaming is embedded across all CISP actions in Argentina. Initiatives seek to: 

• Promote women’s active participation in decision-making processes; 
• Prevent gender-based violence; 
• Create safe, equitable, and inclusive environments; 
• Integrate a rights-based perspective, particularly within indigenous contexts. 

Female leadership is recognized as a fundamental engine for community strengthening. 

Child Protection and Well-being 

CISP incorporates a child-rights framework, ensuring that children receive protection, care, and access to essential services. Interventions prioritize: 

• Comprehensive care in vulnerable situations; 
• Collaboration with community leaders to ensure safe environments; 
• Promotion of healthy practices and food protection. 

www.cispalc.org