Development of the Río de La Plata System

Abstract

A brief description of the Río de La Plata hydrographic basin, the second largest in South America and the fifth largest in the world, is given. Its location, extension, and climate are mentioned. The catchments are identified and the course of the rivers described. Brazil's and Argentina's energy needs, as well as present and planned hydroelectric developments in the basin, are commented upon. It is shown how much nature favored Brazil over Argentina by giving her the upper course of the rivers. Improvements for navigation on the Río Parand and the Río Uruguay are discussed, as are the difficulties of the flood control problem on the Middle and Lower Parana. Some other related projects are described. Finally, the conflicting interests of the various nations who share the Río de La Plata basin are analyzed; the necessity to manage international rivers as a system is stressed.