Restoring Andean Forests in Argentina

Argentina covers most of the southern portion of the continent of South America, and is South America’s second largest country in both land area and population. Argentina’s ​​diverse geophysical landscapes range from tropical climates in the north to the freezing cold tundra in the far south, and the sheer richness in biodiversity across these climates is nothing short of remarkable. However, as a country that derives significant revenue from large-scale agriculture – primarily in soybean, and livestock production – its natural landscape is under immense environmental pressure. 

Argentina is one of the world’s largest exporters of beef and relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity, with natural gas, coal, and oil accounting for 66% of their electricity. To compound issues, agricultural expansion is driving fragmentation and the loss of native forests which threatens the long-term conservation of animal and plant species in these areas. Of particular concern is the environmental degradation in the Andes mountain range, which is home to one of the most important habitats in the world in terms of the biodiversity and people it supports – Polylepis forests. Polylepis trees can grow at altitudes of up to 5,000m above sea level, meaning they often form the treeline just below Andean glaciers.

The Polylepis forests are vital for protecting the water security of millions of people. The trees and their root systems slow the movement of glacial meltwater, ensuring its slow release into rivers and streams throughout the year. Their branches also effectively comb and harvest mists and precipitation from the clouds. As a result, permanent streams are created. This is vital for agriculture in mountainous areas, but also in lowland towns and villages where glacial meltwater is a key source of water. The trees also prevent soil erosion and flooding, protecting homes and livelihoods.

The forests also help to buffer the local climate from the impacts of climate change, through evapotranspiration – keeping the local climate cooler and wetter than it would be without the trees. Not only that, but the trees and the healthy soils associated with the trees are an important carbon store, playing a crucial role in the global fight against climate change.

An abundance of wildlife lives within these forests, including Andean Condors, Spectacled Bears, and Pumas. The forests are expected to become a habitat of increasing value due to the migration of species to cooler areas to escape the impact of climate change and the associated warming temperatures.

Unfortunately, Polylepis forests in the Andes have been threatened for some time now by deforestation. Indigenous and local communities who live close to the remaining forests are working with local tree-planting organisations to protect the remaining native forests and restore areas that have been deforested, planting a range of native species, including Polylepis.

Planting Partner

Global Forest Generation (GFG) is a US-based 510 (c)(3) conservation non-profit organisation that was created to address the biggest challenges facing large-scale forest ecosystem restoration projects. 

Having identified a lack of restoration leaders and projects needed to protect vital ecosystems and restore degraded ecosystems to combat climate change, GFG’s team of experienced conservationists began establishing partnerships with local grass-roots leaders and communities. In 2018 GFG and Peruvian-based NGO ECOAN co-founded Acción Andina, a network of grassroots conservation partnerships aiming  to protect 500,000 hectares of remaining Polylepis forest, and restore another 500,000 hectares of high Andean forest in buffer zones and areas of importance downslope from glaciers.

GFG provides the capacity building, reliable funding, technology, and collaborative networks that many grass-roots restoration leaders and projects wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Local leadership of projects is vital to their long-term success, and GFG supports communities to take ownership of the projects on their doorstep, ensuring their stewardship of the forest improves their own livelihoods, particularly food security and health. GFG also mentors the next generation of eco-restoration leaders to ensure the forests are protected for many years to come.

GFG’s implementing partners are local organisations working closely with local communities to plant the trees and protect remaining forest. In Argentina, these partners are Fundación de Actividades Biosféricas, Fundación Bosquizar and Árbol y Vida. 

The tree planting projects we will be supporting through GFG are part of a project spanning 5 countries in South America (Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina) called Acción Andina.

Ecologi will be funding the planting of 300,000 trees in the Andes mountains over the next 2 years. These trees will be planted across 16 different project sites, 3 of which will be in Argentina.

In these Argentinian sites, 90% of the trees planted will be species of Polylepis (Polylepis australis, Polylepis tomentella), and the remaining 10% will be other native species, including Schinus areira, Acacia visco, and Prosopis ferox.

We will be receiving quarterly reports on the progress of these projects, including regular photo updates to show our community the progress of the trees they’ve funded!

Explore the sites we’re supporting in Argentina on Restor: Córdoba, Norte de Jujuy, and Sur de Jujuy.

In Córdoba, Argentina, Fundación Bosquizar donated materials to a community to build a nursery for educational purposes, and held workshops on forests, ecosystem services, and plant propagation.

Construction of a new nursery in Córdoba, Argentina. Credit: FAB

Construction of a new nursery in Jujuy, Argentina. Credit: Árbol y Vida