Formoseño Model Forest: International Development Research Centre

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ID: 23363

Added: 2002-11-27 14:29

Modified: 2006-07-19 11:49

Refreshed: 2007-03-23 08:19

Formoseño Model Forest

Document(s) 2 of 4

Country:
Argentina
Location:
Formosa Province, Northern Argentina
Year joined IMFN:
2001
Area:
800 000 hectares
Regional affiliation:
Regional Model Forest Network for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC-Net)

Contact information

Carlos Noel Paton, Manager

Email: ncpaton@yahoo.com.ar

Website: http://www.medioambiente.gov.ar/default.asp?IdArticulo=293

Forest and resource profile

The Formoseño Model Forest is situated within the semi-arid Parque Chaqueño, which is part of the Gran Chaco phytogeographic region of South America. The area is almost completely covered in forests that are under varying levels of conservation. The area includes two well-defined forest types: arborous and shrub. The best-known forest species here are the Algarrobo (Ceratonia siliqua Prosopis sp.) and the red Quebracho (Schinopsis quebracho colorado).

The Model Forest area includes two nature reserves. The conservation of biological diversity in the region is of great importance, given that the Parque Chaqueño possesses unique characteristics that cannot be found elsewhere in the world, including some animal species that are listed in the CITES. The availability of an adequate volume of high-quality water in this semi-arid region is a key issue. The population of approximately 18 500 includes the Wichí, Toba and Pilagá indigenous peoples along with other rural and urban inhabitants.

Economic profile

The two dominant economic activities in the area are extensive cattle rearing and forestry. The forest industry is mainly made up of small sawmills and carpentry shops, with charcoal production to a lesser degree. Cattle rearing is mainly practiced by rural inhabitants. Indigenous communities mainly live on hunting, fishing, gathering, and small craft production.

Why a model forest?

Forestry activities in the area tend toward non-sustainable, selective extraction. This has led to the gradual impoverishment and degradation of the region's forested areas. Poor livestock management and grazing on new forest growth hinders proper forest regeneration and contributes to an increase in desertification.

A lack of knowledge among the area's inhabitants regarding resource potential and management has had a negative effect on sustainable development in the region. The low income of the population (an estimated 74% have unmet basic needs) and lack of organization among the rural community do not support the integrated use of resources, the development of alternative sustainable economic activities, or proper marketing.

Partners

The Formosa Provincial Government
National University of Formosa
Ingeniero Juárez and Laguna Yema Municipalities
Foundation for Indigenous Development (FUNDEA)
Equipo Pastoral Aborigen
12 neighborhood committees
Indigenous communities
Agrarian Technology Validation Center (CEDEVA)
Associations of Small Cattle Ranchers, Lumber Producers and Beekeepers

Strategic Goals

To consolidate a participatory planning and management process for sustainable ecosystem management, with special attention to the conservation of biodiversity
To include all actors in the sustainable development process
To diversify the area's economic activities on the basis of providing food security to its communities
To work towards a model of sustainable development that can assure the well-being of the rural population
To determine and evaluate the potential of the area's natural resources
To encourage women's participation in the full development of their communities and families
To maintain and promote the cultural heritage of the different communities found within the project area

Accomplishments to date

Creation of nurseries for native forest species within the model forest area, operated by trained individuals
Participation by a member of the Equipo Pastoral Aborigen in the "Practical Case Studies on Sustainable Forest Management" course in Japan (2001). This was made possible through a grant from the International Cooperation Agency of Japan (JICA)
Development of a database on the Model Forest's aboriginal and local artisans, in cooperation with the Bosques-Comunidad NGO from Spain
The consolidation of a participatory planning and management process for sustainable ecosystem management
Increased women's participation in the development of their communities, particularly in the areas of food security and cottage industry development

Document(s) 2 of 4