Forestry as an engine for genuine community development

The Arévalo case

"The town of Arévalo was born with forestation. Before that, the area was known as Cuchilla del Carmen, a dispersed rural area dedicated mainly to livestock, with few stores nearby and little more," says Eduardo Lucas, former mayor of the town.  

Until a few years ago, Arévalo was a small town in the department of Cerro Largo, northeastern Uruguay, known for its tranquility and rural landscapes. But it was also a place where opportunities were scarce, especially for young people. Only a handful of businesses and a few rural schools survived in the face of low local dynamism, and families had to see their children leave for other localities in search of an education or employment, leaving their roots behind.  

However, something began to change. The arrival of the forestry industry not only transformed the landscape of the place, but also the destiny of its people. "Around the end of the 1990s, some groups of producers began planting forests, and at a time of uncertainty towards who was going to buy the land, UPM came and settled in the area, giving rise to an important change in the livelihood of the community," recalls the former mayor.  

The awakening of a new era

With the establishment of forestry companies came jobs, investments, and a renewed air of hope. The streets began to bustle, new families settled in the town, and the demand for services grew rapidly. In response, housing was built, businesses opened, and basic services were strengthened. But one of the most significant changes was the expansion of educational offerings. Where before it was only possible to study up to the third year of high school, now there is a technical high school and the established University of Work of Uruguay (UTU) which offers education in different specializations linked to local development.  

The Coordinator of the Abriendo Caminos Children's Club, Andrea Castillo, travels 90 kilometers every day to work in Arévalo. She reports on the area’s growth: "We can see a great shift in the area, mainly due to the support towards local educational institutions, such as providing transportation for teachers to reach the schools daily." 

For Emilia Yurramendi, a young woman who grew up in Arévalo, this change was a turning point in her life. "All my life I studied here, but it was only possible to study up to the third year of high school. After that, we had to go to Santa Clara de Olimar to continue studying," she recalls. Like many other young people, Emilia faced the difficult decision to either leave her home or give up on her educational dreams. But the establishment of the UTU provided her with an opportunity she never envisioned: to continue her studies without leaving her home. "It was an immense joy for me and my family. I can now prepare myself for the future without having to renounce my town."  

"Over the years, and with the growth of the industry, forestation has expanded, more stable harvesting activities have been generated, traffic has increased, and some companies have settled permanently in the area. UPM actively holds open days for the community, so they can get to know the company, the work teams, and participate in long-term planning," says Eduardo.  

The changes in the area have additionally impacted the improvement of roads and infrastructure, shortened distances, and boosted mobility in the area. The development of a forest corridor that connects Arévalo with towns such as La Paloma, San Gregorio and Sarandí del Yí has transformed the dynamics of transportation in the area.  

In the same way, the labor market was boosted, generating quality opportunities and diversifying the areas of activity.  

The impact on families

The presence of forestry in the area generated "economic income for many families, which allowed them to remain in the area", Andrea points out. At the same time, she appreciates that the presence of these work opportunities has "caused changes in family dynamics, as mothers started to work as well, when before they were only taking care of their children at home. In this context, it became necessary to create spaces for local mothers to leave their children, where they would be cared for while they were working in different areas. This was achieved two years ago, thanks to local initiatives, with the creation of a Children's Club and a Center for Child and Family Care (CAIF )".  

Agustina Sánchez, another young woman from Arévalo, also experienced firsthand the challenges of studying far from home. For five years, she traveled every day to Santa Clara de Olimar to attend high school, traveling 80 kilometers a day. "I got up at 5 a.m. because the bus left at 6 a.m. It was exhausting, but I had no choice if I wanted to continue studying," she says. Everything changed when the agroforestry baccalaureate was opened at the local UTU. For Agustina, this new possibility not only meant being closer to her family but also being able to take care of her newborn baby while continuing her education. "Not having to leave so early and arrive so late was a huge change in my life. Also, a very warm group was formed among classmates and teachers, and we received a lot of support from the municipality for our internships." 

Dreams that bloom

The agroforestry high school not only allowed them to complete their basic education but also opened their doors to new horizons. Agustina proudly recalls a project called AGROLab, which they developed during their second year of high school. "There was talk of the possibility of obtaining a scholarship to study for a Forestry Technician's degree. Thanks to the efforts of the coordinator, people from the faculty and the municipality, this dream came true. Today I am completing the first semester of this degree." 

For Agustina and Emilia, forestry is not only an economic engine, but also an opportunity to build a better future. "It is incredible how something that once seemed so far away, such as the possibility of studying for a university degree, is now within our reach," says Emilia. Agustina, for her part, highlights the connection between her studies and the local environment: "We are learning about a field that is present in our area, such as forestry. It is a way to grow professionally without losing our roots." 

The Social Impact of Forestry

The changes in Arévalo go beyond individual stories. According to the latest census by the National Institute of Statistics, the school attendance rate among 12–17-year-olds went from 54.8% in 2011 to an impressive 88.45% in 2023. In addition, more and more young people are the first generation of university students in their families, being an engine for the social mobility of the population. 

Arévalo's transformation has not been without its challenges, but the positive impact is undeniable. Streets that once seemed empty are now full of life, and young people who once left in search of opportunities now have reasons to stay. Emilia and Agustina are proof of this: two women who, thanks to education and the promotion of forestry, have found in their own town the tools to dream and build a promising future. In Arévalo there is a latent generalized perception of progress.  

An open community, with families actively participating in various proposals and spaces, such as the Social Club, the school, UTU, Kids Club and local festivals. This integration has enriched community life with greater diversity but has also reinforced the sense of belonging and the challenge of preserving local traditions and customs.  

Arévalo is no longer just a quiet corner of Cerro Largo; it is a living example of how local development can transform lives. Among the trees that now dominate the landscape, dreams, hopes and a renewed sense of community also grow.