1. Summary
The forest fires that occurred in the Andean Comarca region have caused significant environmental, social, and economic losses. In El Hoyo (Chubut), large areas of native forest and urban–rural interface zones were affected, leaving behind degraded soils, biodiversity loss, and vulnerable communities.
This project proposes a year-long program of theoretical and practical workshops on post-fire ecological regeneration, aimed at strengthening local capacities, supporting the natural regeneration of the forest, and producing native seedlings using locally sourced seeds. The approach is community-based, educational, and long-term, prioritizing ecological processes over extractive or merely symbolic actions.
The project seeks funding from companies and donors committed to sustainability, climate action, and territorial development.
2. Context and Rationale
The Andean Patagonia region contains fragile ecosystems with slow ecological cycles and high sensitivity to fire. In post-fire contexts:
- Soil becomes exposed to erosion
- Natural regeneration may be interrupted by grazing, invasive species, or inadequate interventions
- Planting without proper technical criteria leads to high mortality and wasted resources
In this context, effective ecological restoration requires local knowledge, seasonal planning, and sustained community participation.
This project responds to that need by integrating technical and community knowledge to generate real and lasting environmental impact.
3. General Objective
To contribute to the ecological regeneration of areas affected by fires in El Hoyo through a community-based program of training, native seedling production, and participatory restoration.
4. Specific Objectives
- Train the local community in post-fire ecological restoration
- Collect and preserve locally sourced native seeds
- Produce native seedlings in a community nursery
- Restore strategic areas through planned planting
- Strengthen community-based fire prevention
- Create a replicable model for other localities
5. Beneficiaries
Direct beneficiaries
- Residents of El Hoyo
- Young people and adults interested in environmental work
- Rural producers and inhabitants of urban–rural interface areas
Indirect beneficiaries
- The broader community
- Local ecosystems
- Future generations
6. Methodology
The project takes place over one calendar year, respecting the ecological cycles of the Patagonian forest.
Main components
- Seasonal theoretical-practical workshops
- Community bank of native seeds
- Production of seedlings in a community nursery
- Participatory planting and ecological restoration
- Monitoring and care of restored areas
Each workshop combines accessible theory with hands-on practice in the field.
7. Annual Activity Schedule
Autumn
- Workshop: Reading the forest after fire
- Workshop: Collection of native seeds
- Workshop: Seed preparation and conservation
Winter
- Workshop: Participatory restoration planning
- Workshop: Community nursery and seed sowing
Spring
- Workshop: Germination and seedling care
- Workshop: Field planting
Summer
- Workshop: Monitoring, maintenance, and fire prevention
8. Expected Results
- At least 8 workshops conducted
- 80–120 people trained
- Active community bank of native seeds
- Production of 500–1000 native seedlings
- Restoration of priority degraded areas
- Strengthened community forest stewardship network
9. Environmental and Social Impact
Environmental impact
- Improved vegetation cover
- Reduced soil erosion
- Increased biodiversity
- Greater resilience to future fires
Social impact
- Community empowerment
- Practical environmental education
- Rebuilding the relationship between community and territory
10. Estimated Budget (indicative)
- Technical coordination and workshop facilitation
- Nursery materials (substrates, trays, pots)
- Tools and plant protection materials
- Educational materials and logistics
- Transportation to restoration sites
Total estimated budget: to be defined according to project scale and duration.
11. Opportunities for Companies and Donors
Companies and donors who support this project will be able to:
- Associate their brand with a concrete environmental action
- Support the regeneration of native forests
- Contribute to climate change adaptation
- Participate in corporate volunteer days
- Receive impact reports and institutional visibility
12. Sustainability and Replicability
The project is designed to:
- Continue year after year
- Scale to larger restoration areas
- Be replicated in other localities of the Andean Comarca
By strengthening local capacities, the initiative ensures continuity beyond initial funding.
Forest regeneration is not only an environmental task—it is also a social, cultural, and community process. This project aims to plant today the foundations for a more resilient territory.
If you are interested in funding this or another project, please write to comunicacion@laronda.org.ar for more details.