Protect and foster the long-term resilience of Fitzroya cupressoides (EN) in Patagonia

Protect and foster the long-term resilience of Fitzroya cupressoides (EN) in Patagonia

Partner: Fundación Balseiro, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente (INIBIOMA), Isla Victoria Botanical Garden, Nahuel Huapi National Park
Years: 2026-2028

This project aims to restore Fitzroya cupressoides forests in northern Patagonia that will serve as living reservoirs of genetic diversity and climate-adapted lineages. The ultimate goal is to make these forests more resilient to the increasing environmental stressors such as prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and recurrent wildfires.

Fitzroya cupressoides(EN)

This project aims to strengthen Argentina’s forest conservation efforts by restoring populations of Fitzroya cupressoides (EN), a native conifer emblematic of northern Patagonia. Through coordinated efforts between Nahuel Huapi National Park and INIBIOMA, the initiative integrates research and restoration efforts across the major protected areas of northern Patagonia.
The objective is to collect genetically diverse germplasm (seeds and cuttings) from several populations of Fitzroya cupressoides (EN) to ensure the long-term availability of climate-adapted seedlings to support restoration efforts in the north of Patagonia. This species is highly threatened due to a complexity of factors that include historical logging, forest fires, as well as limited natural regeneration.
The research chapter of this project integrates genomic analyses and ecological niche modelling to identify climate-resilient genotypes and conservation strategies to guide adaptive restoration efforts.
By linking conservation science with practical restoration, this initiative offers a replicable framework for managing endangered tree species under climate change and wildfire pressure. The outcomes will inform evidence-based planning of restoration efforts that will enhance the resilience of Patagonia native forests and ecosystems.