UPM Forestal Oriental - Social and Enviromental Report 2014

The maintenance of the key attributes of the main types of environment allows for the conservation of the spe- cies present. In this sense, we maintain native forests, low-lying areas (wet- lands or otherwise) and a significant percentage of stony and rocky areas, among other elements. For all this work, including specific management plans for the most rele- vant areas, the company has received and continues to receive advice from independent experts and public and academic organisations. Since 2011, we have worked together with the NGO Vida Silvestre Uruguay (Wildlife Uruguay), the University of the Republic (Agriculture and Life Sciences Faculties) and with other forestry companies to analyse the re- gional distribution of biodiversity and to identify the most relevant areas and management units from the point of view of species conservation. This facilitates decision-making with regard to the management of conservation areas and monitoring programmes, and allows for better additions to be made to the existing official conservation

areas in the country. Through agreements with Vida Silves- tre Uruguay (an NGO specialising in biodiversity conservation) we updated the 2011-2021 Management Plan for the Mafalda Protected Area (Río Negro Department), and we are re-evaluating and reviewing the objectives and ma- nagement guidelines for all internal Protected Areas in order to continue meeting the conservation targets for native species and environments. The- se objectives include capturing the largest possible percentage of environ- ments and species requiring special conservation measures within the company’s conservation areas, com- plementing other private or official conservation areas as far as possible. In 2013, a new agreement was signed for a period of three years with the basic objective of improving environ- mental management, emphasising the conservation of biodiversity.

Plot scale Operational practices that include the responsible use of sensitive areas and native species Management plans for areas of high conservation value Dissemination and internal and exter- nal training activities, aimed at impro- ving knowledge of species with con- servation problems and generating awareness of these species. Areas that are not listed as protected areas are managed through a precau- tionary approach, mainly taking into account the need to maintain the natu- ralness of the unplantable areas, their connectivity and role as buffer zones or biological corridors, as well as their protection during forestry operations. The suitability of the land for other productive activities, such as agricul- ture, is evaluated, taking into account the impact on the most relevant envi- ronmental components (soil, water, biodiversity) The presence of threatened species and environments is taken into account to maximise caution in areas with some degree of vulnerability.

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