After the devastating fires that affected the **Comarca Andina**, the province of Río Negro has launched a **reforestation project** for the damaged forests.
The process begins with the collection of **seeds from native species**, a crucial step in a long-term project that will require years of work.
## The importance of native seeds
Claudia Contreras, Undersecretary of Forest Resources of Río Negro, emphasized the urgency of collecting seeds from species such as **lenga, coihue, and cypress** before the season ends. “If we don’t do it now, we won’t have the seedlings necessary to start the restoration next year,” she warned.
These species are essential to **restore the ecological balance of the region**, although their **natural regeneration** is particularly challenging.
## Interinstitutional coordination and production in nurseries
To ensure the success of the plan, an interinstitutional table has been created with the participation of key players such as **CONICET**, **INTA**, universities, and local organizations like **Circuito Verde** and **Jóvenes por Bariloche**. The Mallín Ahogado nursery will play a central role in the **production of new specimens**.
One of the identified difficulties is the quality of the **seeds in the Comarca Andina**, which do not meet the necessary standards for restoration. Instead, Cerro Otto, in Bariloche, has become a key source of collection due to the optimal quality of its seeds.
## Training and best practices
Technicians and volunteers gathered at the **base of Cerro Otto** to collect seeds, prior to training on techniques to ensure their good condition until they reach the nursery. This rigorous approach aims to maximize the chances of success in the **reforestation project**.
Contreras emphasized that **restoration** goes beyond simply planting trees. It requires planning and continuous support, from the **selection of suitable species** to defining the best time and method to plant them.
With **extensive areas of destroyed forest**, the recovery process will be prolonged. However, the province seeks to accelerate it through a well-planned and coordinated approach among various institutions. “This is the first step. If we don’t do it now, we won’t be able to **move forward with the restoration** next year,” Contreras concluded.
*Source: ADN*
*Cover photo: Río Negro newspaper archive*
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