Patagonia Verde
The project
In collaboration with several local farmers (Estancieros), we planted trees on nearly 6,000 hectares of degraded pastureland in Patagonia (Argentina). The projects were developed together with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Andean-Patagonian Forestry Research and Extension Center (CIEFAP), and the local Ministry of Agriculture. This makes it one of the pioneer forest projects of climate change mitigation.
Project Start 1999
Certification according to
ISO 14064 (in progress)
Impact
The reforestation project supports the expansion of forests in regions selected by the Argentinian state. This promotes the establishment of a sustainable forestry sector, and reduces the degradation of land and soil erosion.
Climate
Biodiversity
Economy & People
Since 1999, nearly 6,000 hectares of forest had been planted, leading to the sequestration of more than 3,300,000 tons of CO2, that have been removed from the atmosphere.
Due to decades of intensive cattle grazing, the natural forest vegetation within the project area has disappeared. The harsh climatic conditions east of the Andes, characterized by strong winds and high exposure to solar radiation, do not allow natural succession without the protective layer of primary vegetation. The project’s initiatives facilitate the re-establishment of native species. Moreover, the project plays a crucial role in conserving natural forests as it decreases the exploitation pressure.
The reforestation activity at several locations within Patagonia has promoted the diversification of the regional economic and the creation of labour opportunities in less densely populated areas. The establishment of a sustainable forestry sector provides additional sources of income next to the traditional livestock farming.
Gallery
Gallery
Location
Chubut Province, Argentina