Between the Right to Nature and the Rights of Nature: Accessibility and Environmental Quality in Argentine Beaches.

Faggi, A.M., 2026. Between the right to nature and the rights of nature: Accessibility and environmental quality in Argentine beaches. Journal of Coastal Research, 42(3), 592–602. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. This study examines the relationship between accessibility and quality indicators along Argentina's Atlantic coast, addressing how improved beach access can promote inclusive enjoyment while potentially degrading fragile coastal ecosystems. With the Sun and Beach tourism model, beach development often enhances infrastructure and accessibility; however, the balance between the human right to nature, which ensures equitable access, and the rights of nature, which protect ecological integrity, remains a critical challenge. Using data from the 2025 Argentine Beach Quality Ranking, 37 beaches (urban, village, and rural) were analyzed to explore correlations between access and parking and indicators such as environmental quality, management, habitat, species, and heritage. Results reveal a clear urban–rural gradient: Accessibility declines, and environmental and management qualities increase in less developed areas. Urban beaches show weak or null associations between access and environmental factors, whereas village beaches demonstrate cultural value and ecological sensitivity; rural beaches retain high natural integrity. Findings emphasize the need for context-sensitive coastal governance that harmonizes accessibility with sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]