As of this month, Argentina has its own forestry certification seal that ensures the sustainable management of its forests – native or planted – and proper handling of the tree from harvest to the final product. “The system certifies the complete process. It ensures that it is economically viable, but especially that it is environmental and socially sustainable,” Claudia Peirano, of the Argentina Forest Association, told Tierramérica.

The seal, approved by the Argentine Institute of Standardization and Certification, and backed by forest, paper and timber producers, will seek recognition from the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.

Once that is granted, Argentina will be on the same level as Brazil and Chile, leaders in South America's timber market, and both with endorsed certification by the international body.