Argentina uses drones to replant Araucaria forests in Lanín National Park

The National Parks Administration (APN) of Argentina has conducted aerial seed dispersal trials using drones to restore Araucaria (pehuén) forests in Ñorquinco, within Lanín National Park. The initiative, part of the Pewen Project in collaboration with ReForest Latam, aims to recover 200 hectares of native forest damaged by a major fire in 2013.

Between October 15 and 19, a trial was conducted over 40 mapped hectares. To facilitate the operation, park rangers and Mapuche community members transported 300 kilograms of seeds to a mountain base camp by horse. Once the terrain was prepared, drones completed the seeding of the entire area in one and a half days, allowing for precision planting in remote, hard-to-reach locations.

The restoration process involves four stages: ecosystem analysis, biotechnological seed treatment (including encapsulation with bio-stimulants to reduce wildlife consumption), aerial dispersal, and field monitoring. Researchers from CONICET and the National Parks service will now monitor the site to evaluate germination rates and plant establishment. The project seeks to integrate scientific research with local community knowledge to restore ecological processes.