If you haven’t tasted “asado”, then you haven’t been to Argentina. This specially prepared meat is an ingrained part of the local culture, historically connected with the legendary Pampas and the gauchos (cowboys) who used to herd their cattle there.
A good asado cook – called the asador – is greatly appreciated by his fellow Argentinians. Each asador has his own secrets, and there are many asado recipes. However, one of the few fixed elements is that it is always prepared over an open fire. Fuelwood is also frequently used to feed cooking stoves in Argentinian homes and restaurants.
Due to this culinary culture, millions of Argentinians are using fuelwood on a daily basis.
Cooking contributes to deforestation
Unfortunately, unsustainable forestry practices go into the cooking, too. A large part of the fuelwood purchased by Argentinian consumers probably originates in illegal harvesting operations that destroy the forest environment, and may even involve child labour and dangerous work performed without proper safety equipment.
Independent organizations estimate that more than 40% of the Forest enterprises operating in the Northern part of the country are at least to some extent violating regulations on workers’ conditions. Official statistics covering a 4-year period (1998-2002) shows that during this short time span alone, almost a million hectares were deforested in this region.
The Northern forests produce plenty of hardwood, which is typically used for producing firewood.
The country officially produces 3-5.5 million m3 of firewood per year, according to the statistics of the Argentinian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. Taking the illicit production into account, the real volume of firewood produced and consumed in Argentina is likely to be much higher.
Asado FSC style
FSC-Argentina is launching a campaign that aims to make consumers aware of the positive choice they have: By looking for FSC-labeled fuelwood and briquettes, they can still enjoy their favourite meal in good conscience.
A special sticker with the FSC logo has been approved for use by restaurants committed to using FSC-certified wood only.
Ariel Zorrilla is the representative of the Rainforest Alliance in Argentina. He says, “FSC-certified fuelwood is currently offered by several operations in Argentina, so the product is available. By making a simple choice, Argentinian consumers can help make illegal logging history. Once people start to realize their power to bring about positive change, I’m sure that they will use it! “
By targeting a daily commodity product that is closely connected with the local culture, the campaign is likely to be more efficient in reaching consumers.
Barbecuing is a strong tradition in Latin America and also in the US. If proven successful, the approach may be copied and help to raise awareness of the values of FSC wood products throughout the American continents.
Currently, FSC-certified firewood is offered by two FSC-certified operations in the Yungas region: GMF Latinoamericana S. A. (SW-FM/COC-002181) and Forestal Santa Bárbara S. R. L. (SW-FM/COC-001111). Both operations are certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
For more information, please contact Ariel Zorrilla (argentina@ra.org), SmartWood Representative for Argentina.
Watch a movie about firewood production and FSC in Argentina:
A good asado cook – called the asador – is greatly appreciated by his fellow Argentinians. Each asador has his own secrets, and there are many asado recipes. However, one of the few fixed elements is that it is always prepared over an open fire. Fuelwood is also frequently used to feed cooking stoves in Argentinian homes and restaurants. 
Independent organizations estimate that more than 40% of the Forest enterprises operating in the Northern part of the country are at least to some extent violating regulations on workers’ conditions. Official statistics covering a 4-year period (1998-2002) shows that during this short time span alone, almost a million hectares were deforested in this region. 
A special sticker with the FSC logo has been approved for use by restaurants committed to using FSC-certified wood only. 
Currently, FSC-certified firewood is offered by two FSC-certified operations in the Yungas region: GMF Latinoamericana S. A. (SW-FM/COC-002181) and Forestal Santa Bárbara S. R. L. (SW-FM/COC-001111). Both operations are certified by the Rainforest Alliance. 
