UPM’s Paso de los Toros pulp mill project impacts most strongly the central and north-eastern regions of Uruguay. These are the relatively less developed regions in the country when considering the number of households below the poverty line, regional competitiveness, social and financial measurements as well as the road network and infrastructure.
We strongly believe that industrial investments will positively impact regional development and improve opportunities for education, employment, connectivity as well as availability and access to services.
A project of this scale brings visible changes in the affected communities. Besides jobs, training and business opportunities for local individuals and entrepreneurs, there will be changes like increasing traffic and social unrest that require mitigation and management.
Potential social impacts have been identified 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.