SUMMARY
The ARR Rewilding Hub – Gran Chaco Argentina, locally known as the Los Dálmatas Project, is a large-scale ecological restoration initiative led by Forest Defense in the northeastern region of Las Lajitas, Salta Province, Argentina.
The project encompasses the reforestation of 16,734 hectares with native species from the Semi-arid Chaco Forest, transforming previously degraded agricultural and livestock lands into functional and biodiverse ecosystems. Its primary goal is to recreate natural habitats that resemble the original Chaco forest, promoting carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and soil regeneration.
The Los Dálmatas Project is a pioneer in the region, recognized for its scale, scientific approach, and strong environmental focus. It is entirely non-timber, ensuring that restoration efforts are directed solely toward ecological and conservation objectives.
With a 40-year accreditation period under the Verra (VCS) standard, the project ensures the long-term permanence and ecological enrichment of the restored area, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 40-year carbon accreditation period, consolidating its environmental and social impact over time.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
To restore native forests through plantations with native species over a 40-year horizon, in areas historically degraded by agricultural and livestock use.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
To reforest 16,734 hectares of land previously used for agriculture and livestock, promoting CO₂ capture and the generation of carbon credits under the ARR methodology (Afforestation, Reforestation, Revegetation) of the Verra VCS standard.
- To restore the structure and functionality of native forests, ensuring the recovery of key ecosystem services.
- To maintain a non-timber approach, focused solely on ecological regeneration and long-term conservation.
- To increase biodiversity associated with the Chaco Forest, creating suitable habitats for native and threatened species.
- To promote local and specialized employment in forestry and ecological restoration, strengthening technical capacities within the surrounding communities.
Project Updates 2024
During 2024, the ARR Project “Los Dálmatas” launched its first large-scale reforestation campaign in the Chaco Forest, in the province of Salta, Argentina.
More than 130 hectares were restored through soil preparation, planting, and maintenance activities, prioritizing the use of carob varieties and other native species adapted to local conditions.
The plantations showed high survival rates and steady growth, confirming the effectiveness of the restoration model implemented.
The process was strengthened by the establishment of our own nursery, created to produce our own seedlings and promote technical training in collaboration with local students and professionals.
These actions marked the beginning of an integrated restoration model that combines technical innovation, local participation, and environmental commitment.
Project Updates 2025
In 2025, the project continued with its second reforestation campaign, expanding restoration activities across more than 500 additional hectares of the Chaco Forest.
Work included soil preparation, mechanical and manual planting, complementary irrigation, and weed control, consolidating the growth and structure of the newly established forest systems.
Biostimulants and hydrogel were incorporated to improve water retention and reduce heat and drought stress, enhancing plant survival and resilience.
Recent evaluations show vigorous and homogeneous growth, with survival rates above 90%.
Ongoing activities focus on maintenance, monitoring, and field follow-up, reinforcing the project’s long-term commitment to sustainable forest restoration and the ecological recovery of the Chaco region.
INFORMATION
You can request information about the project, including environmental, forestry, and social aspects, by completing the following form:
SUGGESTIONS
You can submit suggestions for the project of any kind through the following form:
COMPLAINTS
If you are directly or indirectly affected by the project, you can file a complaint through the following form, and the Forest Defense team will contact you as soon as possible:
FACUNDO RENZONE
Forest Defense Project is a Swiss corporation headquartered in Hergiswil, with operating sites across Argentina.
Convinced by the urgency of climate change and necessity to promote sustainable agricultural production Forest Defense is committed to support restoration of deforested lands due to extensive farming in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
CONTACT US
- Administrative office: Av. Cándido Carballo 183, 5th Floor, Office 3, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Salta office: Las Heras 82, 4400 Salta, Argentina
- Los Dálmatas Project site office: Finca Los Dálmatas, Route 52, km 55, Las Lajitas, Salta, Argentina
- Phone (Argentina): +54 9 3874 754241 (Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Pilatusstrasse 28, Hergiswil, Nidwalden, 6052, Switzerland
- +41 41 632 50 10
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