. >> the pampas here in northeastern argentina are vast plains. grasslands with a subtropical climate and very fertile soil. there are many regional species here not found on other continents -- like the south american version of the ostrich -- the nandÚ. and the area still supports literally millions of cattle. steak from argentina is exported all over the world and is a major factor in the national economy. but conservationists like gustavo marino have long been observing a worrying trend. since the 90's, thousands of hectares of forest have been planted up -- mainly with fast-growing pines and eucalyptus trees. the reforestation initiative is subsidized by the state. and the wood is a lucrative business. gustavo marino: the argentinean grasslands have always been farmed in a way that maximizes profit but is not very sustainable. it's mostly not been local trees that were planted but species from other parts of the world. the farmers want to plant whatever earns them the most money, of course. so the grasslands only got secondary consideration -