Reshaping forest management in Southern Patagonia: A qualitative assessment. Journal of Sustainable Forestry

Abstract

The intensive forest use has caused a significant transformation around the world. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) has emerged as an alternative to address concerns regarding resource use, conservation and socio-economic benefits. Evidence suggests that its application remains inconsistent. In Argentina, national government passed a law addressing management aiming to provide guidelines and incentives to steer practices into a sustainable framework. The objectives were: (i) understand what concept of SFM means to participants in Tierra del Fuego; (ii) identify and assess how different factors influence over adoption of SFM; (iii) review the stakeholder perceptions on recent regulatory changes; and (iv) identify required following steps for improving management. We conducted 52 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, and parties at national level. New regulatory arrangements were implemented for a short-time before research was undertaken, and we could not evaluate the success of reform. The study provided deep insight into policy making process, and the views held by different stakeholders. The historical mismanagement of the resource, together with an unfavourable past relationship with authorities, has promoted short-term perspectives which resulted in behaviours inconsistent with SFM. Moreover, the characteristic demographic composition brings a social component not identified in the broader literature as relevant for SFM adoption.