The Department of Environment and Sustainable Development of Argentina (SAyDS) created the National Model Forest Program in 1996, convinced that the model forest concept was an efficient tool for promoting the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. This innovative approach brings together the different social actors from the planning stages until they reached consensus on a sustainable forest development model that addresses specific management needs at the local level. The mission of the National Model Forest Program was “To promote the sustainable management of forest ecosystems in Argentina in a framework of social equity and economic advancement for the communities involved, from the perspective of local needs and global concerns.”

 

Four years later, the National Model Forest Network for Argentina was created, with three model forests already approved by the International Model Forest Network and a fourth site in process. The Network’s main responsibilities are as follows:

The model forests composing the National Model Forest Program are located in the main forest regions of Argentina. Together they cover a land base of 3 168 000 ha. These are the Jujuy Model Forest, the Formoseño Model Forest, the Norte Neuquén Model Forest, and the Futaleufú Model Forest.

 

Soon a fifth model forest, located in the province of Tucumán, in northern Argentina, will enter the National Model Forest Program. This initiative began with a concern by local actors who, through a participatory, open and transparent process have worked together to develop a model forest proposal. They consider the model forest approach to be an effective tool for addressing the problems in their region. 

 

For more information:

 

Coordinator:

Mónica Gabay