From threat to opportunity: Pine firewood as an alternative to reduce pressure on native forests in Northern Patagonia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.26.36.3.0.2701Keywords:
Araucaria, Nothofagus, Rural communities, exotic species, firewood heating, participatory trialsAbstract
1. Deadwood plays a fundamental role in multiple ecological processes and is also an essential source of fuel for many rural populations. However, its excessive extraction compromises biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Plantations and invasions of exotic species offer a sustainable alternative that integrates conservation and social well-being objectives, although their use as firewood entails technical and cultural challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sociotechnical feasibility of using pine firewood as an alternative to reduce pressure on native forests in rural communities of Northern Patagonia.
2. We conducted surveys among regional firewood users to assess use practices, perceptions, and valuations, and carried out a participatory trial with Mapuche communities in Villa Pehuenia-Moquehue (Neuquén), where native forests of Araucaria araucana and Nothofagus spp. coexist with plantations and invasions of Pinus spp. Through combustion trials, we compared the performance of pine firewood under different drying conditions with that of the locally used species.
3. User surveys revealed that the most commonly used species are ñire and lenga, and that perceptions of pine firewood are predominantly negative. The use of polyethylene covering accelerated firewood drying and resulted in lower final moisture contents compared to uncovered firewood. In the combustion trial, covered pine firewood showed better performance than the other alternatives.
4. Implications. Properly dried pine firewood may constitute a technically efficient and operationally viable alternative to reduce pressure on native forests in Northern Patagonia. However, its implementation will depend on social and institutional coordination, as well as adequate management of pine plantations and invasions.
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