The Argentine forest-industrial policy is based on a delicate balance: conserving the natural heritage while promoting a competitive and sustainable forest industry.
This approach is articulated around the Native Forests Law (Law No. 26.331), which regulates the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of native forests.
Key Tools: OTBN and Compensation Fund
The Land Use Planning of Native Forests (OTBN) classifies forests into three conservation categories (red, yellow, and green), prohibiting deforestation in areas of higher ecological value.
To encourage conservation, a Compensation Fund was created to assist provinces and financially compensate landowners who maintain their forests. This fund promotes investments in forest plantations and the forest-industrial sector through:
- Fiscal stability for up to 30 years.
- Non-reimbursable economic support (AENR) to cover planting costs.
- Tax exemptions for goods intended for afforestation.
Objectives for 2030: Bioeconomy and Added Value
The development axis aims to consolidate a competitive forest sector under a bioeconomy model, with clear goals:
- Increase the area of cultivated forests to 2 million hectares.
- Promote the Integrated Livestock Forest Management (MBGI).
- Encourage the wood and furniture industry with greater technology and design.
- Sustainably manage native forests to generate competitive and socially responsible goods, as well as environmental services such as climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Institutions like INTA develop research programs in innovation, genetic improvement, restoration and climate resilience, strengthening agroforestry systems.
Córdoba: Provincial Agroforestry Plan (PPA)
A notable example is the Provincial Agroforestry Plan (PPA) of Córdoba, regulated by Law No. 10.467, which establishes mandatory afforestation on agricultural properties.
- Producers must allocate at least 2% of their land area to tree cover, reaching up to 5% in specific areas.
- The deadline to comply is 10 years, with gradual afforestation plans.
The objectives of the PPA include:
- Soil protection against wind and water erosion.
- Water regulation to promote infiltration and reduce excesses.
- Biodiversity conservation, pollinator habitat, and wildlife refuge.
- Improvement of quality of life through cleaner air and water.
- Multiple use of forest species for wood and fruits.
Gen Nativo: Forest Multiplier
As a complement, Córdoba launched the Gen Nativo Plan, which guarantees the supply of seedlings of native species to comply with the law.
- Facilities in Corralito, San Francisco, Laboulaye, Coronel Moldes, and Despeñaderos.
- Estimated production: between 10,000 and 30,000 plants monthly.
- Advanced technology laboratories with controlled environments for accelerated germination.
- Capacity to produce up to 7,000 plants every 10 days.
The species include chañar, algarrobo, sen de campo, manzano de campo, espinillo, tusca, cina cina, moradillo, and aguaribay.
The process includes stages of hardening, pricking out, and acclimatization to the outdoors, ensuring adapted and resistant specimens.
Environmental and Social Impact
The program aims to be a forest multiplier and a research center to improve germination protocols. Its main objectives are:
- Restore agroecosystems.
- Generate environmental services such as water regulation and recovery of degraded soils.
- Attract pollinators and create biological corridors.
- Promote a more harmonious relationship between production and the environment.
In 2024, 50,000 trees were distributed among public institutions and private producers. This year, the challenge is to double the number of specimens delivered.
The Argentine forest-industrial policy, along with provincial initiatives like the PPA and Gen Nativo in Córdoba, demonstrate how it is possible to integrate conservation, production, and sustainability. The country is moving towards a forest bioeconomy model that not only protects native forests but also promotes rural development, strengthens biodiversity, and contributes to the fight against climate change.
