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Forestry Guild Claims Unprocessed Timber Due to Forests Being "Captured" in Red Zones

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Industry groups assert that violent incidents have stalled forestry investment in the Southern Macrozone. They claim millions of cubic meters of timber remain unprocessed because forests are "captured" in red zones. Additionally, they propose creating a Forestry Undersecretariat under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Over 46% of the municipalities in the Southern Macrozone, spanning the Bio Bío to Los Lagos regions, have been impacted by violent events. At least this is what the Association of Forestry Contractors revealed, stating that attacks are harming economic activity.

According to the guild, from 2014 to date, three municipalities in the Los Ríos region concentrate the attacks against the sector: Lanco with 13, Panguipulli with 5, and San José de la Mariquina with 3.

They also noted that the most concerning issue is the lack of investment for the coming years, despite over 2 million hectares being ready for plantations. This situation could hinder growth in the Southern Macrozone regions, where forestry is one of the most vital industries.

René Muñoz, president of the Association of Forestry Contractors, states that annually around 4 million cubic meters of timber go unprocessed because forests are located in violence-affected areas.

"There are 3 to 4 million cubic meters that cannot be processed—forests in regions where processing is impossible, equivalent to about 3 to 4 sawmills. These are trapped in troubled areas, in red zones. There’s no chance for forestry to expand as the country needs," Muñoz declared.

He added, "The forestry sector is primarily regional, so when investment stalls, regional economies will inevitably suffer."

Patricio Escalona, president of Pymemad in the area, noted a decline in timber demand and that local factors like political instability, alongside what he called terrorist acts, are deterring investment.

According to the leader, it is time for the government to consider establishing a Forestry Undersecretariat.

"We’ve long called for a Forestry Undersecretariat—I believe now is the right time to direct resources. Currently, we depend on the Ministry of Agriculture, which is undoubtedly focused on agricultural issues—I don’t downplay their importance—but forestry matters can’t be resolved by agronomists," Escalona emphasized.

The Association of Forestry Contractors supports the proposal, stating the sector is far larger than fishing, which already has an undersecretariat.

They also confirmed that the only ongoing investment project in the Southern Macrozone is MAPA, led by Arauco in the Bio Bío region.

Source: www.biobiochile.cl