Native Forest and Climate Change — The Role of the Subtropical Forest, Potentials, and Threats

The subtropical rainforest of Argentina, called Yungas, has been subjected to rapid deforestation and degradation processes in recent years, especially in the lower district: "Pedemontana Jungle" (PJ; ≤900 m.a.s.l.). In Salta, in the north of the country, the rate of deforestation is around three times higher than the world average. The disappearance of PJ significantly limits the area of contact between Yungas and Chaco forest, which could have important consequences for natural and cultural biodiversity in the region (the largest number of aboriginal ethnic groups live here, most of which depend on native forest for their existence and identity). In addition, the loss and degradation of forests is the second largest sector of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere (about 18%), affecting the world climate. We present a synthesis of different studies developed in PJ forests, observing its role as reservoirs of carbon and discussing issues that could influence the total capacity of carbon sequestration of the same. This will contribute to build the reliable database on the sequestration potential, which will facilitate standardization of units, reduction of uncertainties, and contribution to a more efficient strategy to limit the GHG emission to the environment, providing some learning and useful recommendations