UPM’s growth project will impact most strongly on the central and north-eastern regions of Uruguay. These are the relatively less developed regions in the country (Departmental Development Indicator, CINVE 2007-2015) when considering the amount of households below the poverty line, regional competitiveness, social and financial measurements as well as the road network and infrastructure.
UPM and the state of Uruguay share the view that an industrial investment will positively impact regional development and improve opportunities for education, employment and health care services.
A project of this scale will obviously bring visible changes in many communities. Besides jobs, training and business opportunities for local individuals and entrepreneurs, there will be changes that require mitigation plans like increasing traffic and social unrest.
It is well understood that large development projects can create disturbances in rural neighbourhoods. Potential social impacts have been mapped and UPM continues active dialogue and cooperation with local communities, authorities and other stakeholders to jointly seek solutions to prevent and minimise any potential disturbances and to boost the positive opportunities created by this project.