New Vice President of the National Parks Board

The National Executive Branch accepted the resignation submitted by lawyer Pablo Leandro Ciocchini from the position of vice president of the Board of Directors of the National Parks Administration and appointed Lucas Horacio Portela Lacanette in his place. The measure was formalized in Decree 960/2026 (official reference DECTO-2026-960-APN-PTE), signed by President Javier Milei and Chief of Cabinet Diego César Santilli, and published in the Official Gazette on September 9, 2026.

The decree, dated in the City of Buenos Aires on September 8, 2026, is issued within the framework of File No. EX-2026-84900608-APN-DGA#APNAC and in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 20 of Law No. 22,351 and its amendments.

Regulatory Framework

Law No. 22,351 establishes that the National Parks Administration is directed and administered by a Board of Directors composed of a president, a vice president, and four members, appointed by the National Executive Branch upon the proposal of the jurisdictions established therein. Members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed.

The position now being filled became vacant following the resignation of Ciocchini, who had been appointed by Decree No. 48/26 on January 26, 2026. The agency is decentralized and operates within the scope of the Vice-Chief of Cabinet for the Interior of the Chief of Cabinet of Ministers.

The New Appointment

Article 2 of the decree appoints Lucas Horacio Portela Lacanette (D.N.I. No. 34,257,915) to the position of vice president of the Board of Directors for a statutory term. The appointment details are:

• Position: vice president of the Board of Directors of the National Parks Administration.
• Appointee: Lucas Horacio Portela Lacanette.
• Resigning Party: Pablo Leandro Ciocchini (D.N.I. No. 26,746,196).
• Regulation: Decree 960/2026 (DECTO-2026-960-APN-PTE).
• File: EX-2026-84900608-APN-DGA#APNAC.

Institutional Relevance

The National Parks Administration is the agency responsible for administering and conserving the country’s protected natural areas, as well as managing their tourist and recreational use. The appointment of its vice president is key to the continuity of environmental policy and the management of Argentine national parks.

The decree further provides for its communication, publication, and filing through the National Directorate of the Official Registry, whereby the measure enters into full force upon its publication.

Source: Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic, September 9, 2026, First section (official reference: DECTO-2026-960-APN-PTE).