With 26 affirmative votes and only one abstention, the Chubut Legislature approved a new Forest Law that establishes the Provincial Government as the owner of native forests. The norm was widely supported by all political blocs, except for deputy Santiago Vasconcelos, who abstained.
“The intention was to address the issue. This is the best law we could achieve, with broad agreements. The essential thing is that the forests belong to all Chubut residents,” said legislator Norma Arbilla (Arriba Chubut), one of the main promoters of the project.
Arbilla also emphasized the importance of understanding the forest as a complete ecosystem. “The forest is not just the tree. It is flora, fauna, water, clean air, and a natural balance that benefits all of humanity,” she stressed, emphasizing the environmental value and not just the productive aspect of the resource.
Native forests.
A tool to resolve territorial conflicts
The new law will allow the provincial government to advance with numerous stalled proceedings due to the lack of a clear legal framework. “Many procedures were paralyzed in the Forest Secretariat because there was no legal basis for authorizations or visas. This law unlocks that situation,” explained Arbilla.
The legislator mentioned specific cases in the mountainous region, such as in Alto Río Percy or Lago La Plata, where historic inhabitants have not been able to regularize the ownership of their lands due to legal conflicts related to the forest status.
Fires, territorial planning, and false alarms
Arbilla also clarified the confusion that arose regarding the impact of forest fires on this regulation. “Some believed that if a native forest burns, it automatically enables real estate development. That is false. The protection status does not change due to fire,” she detailed, referring to the Territorial Planning Law that regulates which areas can be used for different activities.
The map established by that law classifies the forests into red zones (untouchable), yellow zones (restricted use), and green zones (allowed use), and that categorization does not change automatically after a fire.
In the same session: concession to Pan American Energy
In another point of the legislative session, the concession of the Cerro Dragón field to Pan American Energy (PAE) was approved, with 23 affirmative votes, two abstentions, and one negative vote. The stamp duty linked to the contract was also forgiven.
Most legislators justified their affirmative vote, while the only dissenting voices were those of Santiago Vasconcelos (Left Front) and Andrea Toro (PICh), who expressed reservations about the environmental and economic impact of the concession.
Native forests
What is the purpose of environmental protection law?
The Environmental Protection Law serves to establish a legal framework that guarantees the protection and conservation of the environment, natural resources, and people’s health. Its main objective is to prevent, control, and mitigate pollution and environmental degradation, promoting sustainable development and the population’s quality of life.
In summary:
- Protection of natural resources: The law aims to protect natural resources, such as water, air, soil, flora, and fauna, to ensure their availability and quality for future generations.
- Pollution control: Regulates activities that can generate environmental pollution, establishing norms and standards for pollutant emissions, waste management, and pollution prevention.
- Management of natural resources: Establishes mechanisms for the sustainable management of natural resources, promoting their responsible use and biodiversity conservation.
- Public health: Protects people’s health from the effects of environmental pollution, establishing standards for air, water, and soil quality.
- Sustainable development: Promotes economic and social development in a manner compatible with environmental protection, seeking a balance between human needs and nature conservation.
- Citizen participation: Facilitates public participation in environmental management, ensuring access to information and the opportunity to express opinions and be consulted in decision-making processes.
- Access to justice: Establishes mechanisms for individuals to exercise their environmental rights and obtain justice in case of environmental damage.
Source: ESQNotas.
