News

Over 48,000 Native Trees Allow Reforestation of Nonguén National Park

Sponsors

Oak and raulí are the two species planted by nearly 50 volunteers from schools, universities, and CMPC to support the reforestation of this park, which suffered a devastating fire in 2020, burning over a hundred hectares of this protected wilderness area managed by Conaf.
For two years, Fundación Reforestemos, Conaf, and CMPC have carried out intensive work. In January 2021, they formed an alliance to reforest Nonguén National Park after a fire consumed a hundred hectares of the country's first peri-urban park. To date, their efforts have resulted in planting over 48,000 native trees, along with environmental education for volunteers and prevention of future disasters.
This green lung, whose main entrance is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Concepción, spans 3,060 hectares and recently celebrated its first year since being recategorized as a national park, ensuring greater protection for an ecosystem rich in native forests and unique animal species.
But its proximity to the city also brings risks. Hence, this alliance was formed, bringing together over 50 volunteers who, with shovels and hoes, planted more than 300 trees, bringing the total to 48,300 planted in two years of intense work.
Suzanne Wylie, Executive Director of Fundación Reforestemos, explained: "The agreement with Conaf Biobío and CMPC has allowed us to work on restoring this important protected wilderness area in our country. Thanks to this public-private alliance, today we are conducting this volunteer effort alongside the local community, and to date, we have implemented various fire prevention measures, germplasm collection, native reforestation, and education."
One lesson from the devastating 2020 fire was the lack of helipads to expedite firefighter deployment. Rodrigo Jara, Regional Director of CONAF, explained the improvements made: "This alliance enabled the construction of two helipads in the park’s high-altitude area, which will facilitate wildfire response. Additionally, efforts are underway to raise awareness about the need to protect this place, especially given its proximity to downtown Concepción."
Additionally, for fire prevention (preventive forestry), a 1.5 km road was built to improve brigade access.
The Mayor of Chiguayante and President of the Nonguén Park Municipalities Association, José Antonio Rivas, praised the initiative. "Two years ago, we suffered one of the worst fires, so I applaud so many young people coming together to plant trees and preserve the great green lung in our communities," he said.
Ignacio Lira, CMPC Corporate Affairs Deputy Manager, highlighted the public-private alliance. "In this second year of collaboration with Conaf Biobío and Fundación Reforestemos, we’ve seen highly favorable results in reforesting areas affected by the 2020 fire in Nonguén National Park. This teaches us a valuable lesson: when different stakeholders unite for a common cause—like preserving this peri-urban space for future generations—progress accelerates significantly."

Volunteers in Action

Under this public-private alliance, volunteers have been invited twice to carry out planting activities in Nonguén National Park. This year, a new call brought together volunteers from schools, universities, and local organizations, supported by INJUV Biobío.
Fabián Barra from Liceo Ceat in San Pedro de la Paz said, "It’s been a super rewarding experience to help nature and see how our actions can mitigate climate change. So many people joining in makes it a unique and new experience."
Vicente Stintz, a Plant Biotechnology student at the University of Concepción, shared a similar view: "It makes me feel like I’m giving something back to nature. I’ll surely bring my son and family when I visit the park again because I was amazed by its beauty. Being part of its restoration fills me with happiness."
Beatriz Quiñones, a high school senior at Liceo Ceat in San Pedro de la Paz, said, "It’s a great experience, and I also wanted to see the park. Now, in the future, we can come back and say, ‘I helped plant these little trees.’"