A new report from Greenpeace revealed that in 2025, 210,702 hectares of forests were lost in the north of the country, an increase of 40% compared to the previous year (149,649 hectares).
The organization warned that the national government and some provinces are seeking to modify the Forest Law to facilitate more deforestation, which they consider serious and unconstitutional.
Report Data
The report, prepared using satellite images, shows that:
- Deforestation: 94,204 hectares (Santiago del Estero 51,149, Chaco 16,872, Salta 15,129, Formosa 11,054).
- Forest fires: 116,498 hectares (Santiago del Estero 53,325, Formosa 22,715, Chaco 21,520, Salta 18,938).
- Total lost: 210,702 hectares, equivalent to ten times the area of the City of Buenos Aires.
By provinces, Santiago del Estero leads with 104,474 hectares lost, followed by Chaco (38,392), Salta (34,067), and Formosa (33,769).
Greenpeace Criticisms
Hernán Giardini, coordinator of the Forest Campaign, stated: “Given the climate commitments to stop deforestation by 2030, Argentina must prohibit and penalize its destruction”. He also denounced the complicity of officials and the insufficiency of fines to stop illegal deforestation and fires.
The organization launched the campaign votaporlosbosques.org, which seeks to establish prison sentences for those responsible for forest destruction.
Importance of Native Forests
The forests of northern Argentina, in the Gran Chaco and Yungas, fulfill vital functions:
- Climate regulation: they absorb carbon dioxide and help mitigate climate change.
- Biodiversity conservation: they host unique species like the Chacoan peccary and protect watersheds.
- Socioeconomic support: they provide wood, food, medicines, and support for indigenous and peasant communities.
- Disaster prevention: they control erosion, regulate the water cycle, and reduce the risk of floods.
The Gran Chaco is the second-largest forest ecosystem in South America, key to regional environmental balance.
The accelerated loss of forests in northern Argentina reflects an environmental and political crisis. While science warns about the urgency of protecting these ecosystems, government decisions seem oriented towards the relaxation of environmental laws.
The protection of native forests is essential not only for biodiversity but also for the quality of life of communities and resilience against climate change.
