The provincial government of Jujuy announced in recent days that it will allocate $242,888,053 to the **care of native forests**, of which $170,888,053 will be allocated to the holders of **natural resources** for protection and sustainable use. In this regard, Governor Carlos Sadir stated that they will **continue to support efforts in environmental preservation**.
To carry out this initiative, the governor handed certificates to the 138 holders of native forests, who will receive a total of $170,888,053 for **conservation and sustainable use**, in accordance with National Law 26.331. The governor was accompanied by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, María Inés Zigarán, the Secretary of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Ana Rodríguez, the Director of Forests and Soil Management, Javier Albanesi, and the team of the Native Forest Management Unit (UGBN), responsible for managing the funds established by the aforementioned law.
Furthermore, Sadir thanked those present for their dedication and emphasized the importance of their work in **environmental conservation**. “The idea is to continue working together, seeking all necessary tools. We will make available all the resources of the provincial government to access new sources of financing, such as bonds or other alternatives that may arise,” he stressed.
Finally, the governor of Jujuy made a special recognition to the **Ministry of Environment and Climate Change** for being responsible for Jujuy being the first province to guarantee this delivery and for efficiently resolving the accounting reports. Finally, the governor reaffirmed his commitment: “We will do everything possible to continue supporting **the conservation of our native forests**, regardless of the obstacles that may arise,” he concluded.
## The importance of forest conservation in Jujuy
Minister María Inés Zigarán explained that Jujuy **has 31.54% of its territory covered by native forests** (equivalent to 1,095,634 hectares) under some conservation category. She also highlighted that the province is one of the few that keeps up-to-date with the accountability of funds, allowing them to make periodic deliveries every year.
Zigarán emphasized the urgency of conserving forests, especially in the context of **environmental crises** facing the world, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. “Conservation and sustainable forest management are not only environmental priorities but also state policies in Jujuy. These ecosystems provide key environmental services and also generate economic and job opportunities for our communities,” she stated.
## National Law 26.331 and its impact on forest protection
National Law 26.331, enacted in 2007, establishes the minimum requirements for the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of native forests and the **environmental services** they provide. It also defines criteria for the distribution of funds aimed at **promoting conservation and sustainable utilization** of native forests.
The regulation proposes **forest conservation categories, limits on deforestation, authorizations for deforestation, and sustainable management**, sanctions for non-compliance, and the national fund for the conservation of native forests.
Among the conservation categories are **Category I** (red) for forests with high conservation value, **Category II** (yellow) for those of medium value, and **Category III** (green) for forests of lesser conservation value.
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