Conservation and Registration of Seed Sources in Reserve Remnants in the Province of Misiones, Argentina

Abstract

The Upper Parana Atlantic Forest, a biodiversity hotspot of highly threatened biodiversity, extends to northeastern Argentina in the province of Misiones. In Argentina, national and provincial laws promote the restoration of degraded forest areas. This is a crucial process necessary to the establishment of biodiversity islands, which requires plant propagation material of native species to ensure their viability and diversity. Since 2018, a registry of forest areas and seed trees has been implemented nationwide to serve as a repository of biodiversity and plant propagation material, controlled by the National Seed Institute (INASE) Regulation n°318/18, elaborated in scientific/technical cooperation with the School of Forestry of the National University of Misiones. In these registered areas, which can be in private, public, or protected lands, propagation material is certified, with priority given to arboreal species and rare, endemic, threatened and/or vulnerable species. Each species is registered in every site where it is documented in order to record as much genetic variability as possible. Propagation material certification establishes a protocol that allows native species to be included, under certified control, in sustainable, productive, and multiple-purpose land use systems. To date, more than 1000 registered seed trees have been recorded in more than 54 hectares of forest remnants. Registered seed trees facilitate restoration of degraded areas, increasing site diversity via dispersion by birds, small animals and wind. The certification of native species for multiple use contributes to their conservation and to their use for restoration, while also generating resources for owners, hel** to conserve biodiversity.