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The Institutional Urgencies of the Forestry Sector

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For the current government, ministers, and the national director of CONAF, the changes needed in the forestry sector are not a priority. They speak of restoration, landscape-scale management, afforestation with native species, agroforestry, and the exclusion of planted pine and eucalyptus forests as carbon reserve assets in the climate change framework law. These are all interesting concepts to explore and implement at various scales, but they are not aligned with the legislative urgencies required to progress with an objective perspective, free from dogma and prejudice.

Few speak—and actions demonstrate—that the forestry sector is important for the country. It is directly associated with monopsonies, economic groups, political funding, collusion, and concentration, and they are not entirely wrong.

But the analysis we expect from authorities should take a second look. The forestry industry, which exported $6.7 billion in 2022, involves 300,000 direct and indirect workers. If we add all those related to it—such as the owner of a lumberyard, the furniture maker, the carpenter, the taxi driver transporting executives at the airport, the woman selling seafood tortillas in Laraquete, and the gatherers of non-timber forest products (mushrooms, flowers, or leaves), among others—we could reach numbers exceeding 600,000 workers. That is, 2.0 to 2.4 million people depend on it.

Therefore, the analysis of changes to the institutional framework and the development of public policies is no longer a mere formality. It requires setting aside personal preferences and, objectively, consensually, responsibly, and with a national vision, addressing and proposing the necessary changes to strengthen the sector.

What is urgently needed in the sector?
As a recommendation to the authorities, we, the forestry contractors, propose that the best legacy they could leave us would be a functioning National Forestry Service (SERNAFOR) and a Forestry Undersecretariat that engages with other ministries to reinforce and highlight the sector's importance.

A Reforestation Law for small and medium landowners, with a subsidy allowing freedom of choice for planting pine, eucalyptus, native species, or a mix of pine/eucalyptus with natives. Without this law, Chile will not meet the established targets of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2030, nor the carbon neutrality goal for 2050.

Lastly, the legacy must include amendments to the current Law 20,283 on Native Forest Recovery and Forestry Promotion, enabling 4 million hectares (some say up to 7 million hectares) to begin responsible forest management, thereby avoiding stagnation, degradation, theft, an endless supply of firewood, and the intentional fires that currently affect them.

These three issues are vital for developing the sector and strengthening Chile’s institutional framework as a Forestry Nation.
We, the forestry contractors, will always be available and "READY AS A BOARD" to support and work toward these goals.