Why the Legislation does not Protect Native Forests in Argentina? Environmental Conflicts and Public Policies

SILVETTI F, SOTO G, CÁCERES DM Y D CABROL.

Lisboa

Congreso; XIII World Congress of Rural Sociology; 2012

International Rural Sociology Association

Using a political ecology framework, we analyze the environmental conflicts arising from the discussion of a law aiming at protecting native forests in the Province of Cordoba, Argentina (Law 9814/2010). The main social actors involved in the discussion are characterized, as well as the alliances and conflicts that emerged among them along the legislative discussion of the law. The research suggests that the approved law expresses the power alliances historically developed by the most powerful social actors. This group uses the institutional framework provided by the State in order to seek their own advantage and disregarding likely environmental and/or social costs. This situation undermines and weakens the demands and rights of the most disadvantaged social groups and compromises the provision of ecosystem services of central Argentina’s native forests.