Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and capital of Tierra del Fuego, participates in the GEF-7 UrbanShift program to chart a sustainable future for its rapidly growing and energy-intensive community. Set against the Beagle Channel and surrounded by pristine ecosystems, the city faces mounting pressure from urban expansion, energy demand, and poorly planned development. Through UrbanShift, Ushuaia is preparing a “Sustainable Ushuaia 2050” strategic plan, developed through a participatory and gender-sensitive process. The project includes a conservation tourism and social development program in Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park, encompassing biodiversity monitoring, wildfire early-warning systems, and trail restoration. These interventions strengthen environmental stewardship, diversify local livelihoods, and position Ushuaia as a model for sustainable development in extreme environments.


