Document(s) 1 of 4

The Norte de Neuquén Model Forest is located in northern Neuquén province in the Argentinean Patagonia. The mountain chains ranging from north to south form an orographic barrier for the humid winds coming from the Pacific, resulting in a continental arid and semi-arid climate.

Economic activities in this region are mainly associated with local livelihoods, particularly, extensive migratory livestock-rearing operations for processing meat in arid conditions for small-scale marketing and family consumption. Overgrazing is responsible for a process of water and wind erosion in the mountainous areas, as can be seen in the deterioration in the quality of soils and a reduction in the diversity of native plants. Other economic activities are the cultivation of irrigated family vegetable gardens, poultry rearing and fruit production for local consumption or bartering. Finally, bee-keeping activities and crafts based on the manufacture of cattle-ranching by-products (leather, wools, dried meat), farming (ñaco, corn flour, boiled wheat) and pottery.

The area has great potential for forestry development. The first plantations were undertaken in the 1970s with the establishment of Community Forests, but from that time to the present the rate of these activities has decreased. Currently, the focus of forest-related activities is mainly on municipal tree nurseries.

Main components of the model forest proposal and proposed lines of action

a) Recovery of cultural values

b) Forest development

• Forestation of watersheds to mitigate erosion
• Protection of natural areas
• Recovery and conservation of native forests
• Promotion of forest activities

c) Research, transfer, and dissemination

• Propagation of natural species
• Alternative uses for forest resources
• Cultural activities
• Biodiversity
• Publicizing the achievements of the Norte del Neuquén Model Forest at provincial, national and international levels

d) Land management

e) Sustainable production activities

f) Participatory regional planning and management

Main Partners

• Consejo de Planificación y Acción para el Desarrollo Neuquén (COPADE)
• The municipalities of Andacollo, Huinganco, Las Ovejas, Tricao Malal, Barrancas, Chos Malal, and Buta Ranquil
• Comisión de Fomento Varvarco
• The Catholic Church
• Gendarmería Nacional
• Educational establishments in Chos Malal, Buta Ranquil, Sector Chacras, Andacollo, and Huaraco
• Albergue de Mujeres (Andacollo)
• Dirección Provincial de Estadística
• Dirección de Áreas Naturales Protegidas
• Museo del Árbol y la Madera
• The Huinganco nursery
• Zona Sanitaria III
• Dirección General de la Región Norte de Recursos Hídricos
• Unidad de Producción DRN
• Asociaciones de Fomento Rural (AFR) Leuto Caballo, La Salada, Tricao Malal, Taquimilán, Buta Ranquil, and Río Barrancas; the Consejo Local de la Mujer (Chm)
• Radio FM Cordillera
• Asociación Civil PROECO
• Asociación Civil La Cantera

Contact

Álvaro Villegas

sepcomfr@neuquen.gov.ar

http://www.medioambiente.gov.ar/default.asp?IdArticulo=299

Document(s) 1 of 4