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Wood Industry Guilds Regret the Indefinite Suspension of Licancel Plant in the Maule Region

Sponsors

• Regarding the indefinite suspension of the Licancel pulp plant owned by ARAUCO, as the Futuro Madera Network, composed of six guilds linked to the wood industry (AChBIOM, Acoforag, Aprobosque, Corma, the College of Forest Engineers, and PymeMad), we declare:

1. We deeply regret the suspension of this pulp plant, especially for what it means for the workers and their families, the many contractor companies that have been part of its production chain, and for a commune and region that has grown around the wood industry.
2. We understand that this decision by the company is mainly due to factors related to climate variability that has affected the region, such as droughts, floods, and fires. However, we want to emphasize that it is undoubtedly also a result of the erratic policies the State has had toward the forestry sector for over ten years.
3. This situation in the Maule region is a sign of the crisis hitting the entire wood production chain, which could undoubtedly have social and economic consequences for forestry communes across Chile.
4. We consider it urgent and necessary to accelerate joint efforts between the private sector and the State to establish a clear strategy for promoting afforestation and the development of wood-related SMEs.
5. Chile needs to replant to restore what was lost in the fires and continue producing good-quality wood, accessible to all and in a short time. The country needs wood-derived products; it needs more quality jobs in the regions, more local development, more supply chains, and renewable productive activities that contribute to people's well-being.

SIGNATURES OF SUPPORTERS AND SPOKESPERSONS

• Víctor Sandoval, National Coordinator of Futuro Madera.
• Rodrigo O’Ryan, President of AChBIOM.
• René Muñoz, Manager of Acoforag.
• José Carter, President of Aprobosque.
• Alejandro Casagrande, President of Corma Ñuble and Biobío.
• Julio Torres, Executive Secretary of the College of Forest Engineers of Chile.
• Michel Esquerré, National President of Pymemad.