Identification and assessment of factors affecting the sustainable management of Nothofagus forests in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Abstract

The Tierra del Fuego government has a statutory responsibility to ensure that Nothofagus (Lenga) forests are sustainably used, respecting them as a natural and social heritage to be preserved for future generations. Provincial regulations also require that a Regional Forest Plan and long-term forest policies should be developed. To contribute to the development of this Plan and to provide strategies to maximize the forest's sustainable benefits for society, this research develops indicators of sustainable management of Lenga forests. Multi-criteria methods are used to integrate different stakeholders’ perceptions regarding social, environmental, and economic aspects of the forest's management. Using a range of internationally accepted criteria and indicators (C&I) schemes, a local set of C&I were developed to assess the forest's sustainability. The results highlight potential areas of conflict between stakeholders and areas for improving sustainable management.