Pulp Matters 1/2022

44 million

UPM manages a total of 466,000 hectares of its own and leased land in the west and northeast of Uruguay. Of this vast area, 60% is used for eucalyptus plantations. The rest is used for cattle grazing and infrastructure as well as protected areas. The practices of sustainable forestry management have been finetuned during the past three decades, and today sustainability is given due consideration during the whole growth cycle of the eucalyptus tree. Eucalyptus has naturally good growth conditions in Uruguay. The country has a mild climate with temperatures around 12-25°C and very little variation between seasons. The rainfall remains stable between 1,200 to 1,500 mm per year, and there is no dry season. The native forests, which represent about 5% of Uruguay, are all protected. The primary vegetation type is pampa or grassy plains, and there are no rainforests. Although the conditions are naturally good, to ensure efficient production UPM has done a lot of research to improve the eucalyptus species, Fitipaldo says. “Our sustainability work starts even before we sow the seedlings. Genetic selection has allowed us to increase productivity along the years. Choosing the best Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus dunnii species means faster growth and healthier trees.” However, maintaining the genetic diversity in the plantations is essential, Fitipaldo emphasises. This is part of sustainable forest management and also risk control. Due to climate change, even Uruguay is not immune to the possibility of extreme conditions. Healthy and strong trees are better protected from risks such as frost or strong winds.

seedlings will be grown each year in UPM’s three tree nurseries.

60%

of UPM-owned land in Uruguay is planted with eucalyptus.

Around 40% of UPM’s land in Uruguay is used for protected areas, native forests, related

activities – such as cattle grazing and bee-hives – and infrastructure.

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