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Conaf Implements New Model to Monitor Damage to Native Forests in Magallanes

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This is a new model that incorporates, among other things, a refocusing of inspection procedures optimized through technology, as well as the assessment of damage caused by unauthorized logging on all environmental components.

Officials from the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) in Magallanes were trained in the implementation of a new management model for inspections carried out regionally to protect native forests.

"Timely Monitoring of Forest and Xerophytic Ecosystems" is the name of the new management model designed to more effectively oversee potential illicit activities occurring in our forests.

This is a new model that incorporates, among other things, a refocusing of inspection procedures optimized through technology, the assessment of damage caused by unauthorized logging on all environmental components, as well as the offender's obligation to restore all biological functions of the ecosystems in the affected area.

The model consists of three components: first, permanent territorial monitoring using satellite images for the timely detection of illicit activities; second, the evaluation process of detected illegal logging, which focuses not only on the volume of extracted timber but also on affected environmental components such as soil, water, and wildlife; and lastly—considered one of the most important—the repair or rehabilitation of the damaged site.

The training was organized by the Evaluation and Ecosystem Monitoring Office of CONAF's central headquarters for all staff members of the Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Department of CONAF in Magallanes. It included a series of lectures led by professionals from CONAF's central office.

Among them were Richard Martínez, national head of CONAF's Monitoring Department, who introduced the Timely Monitoring model and its context, as well as Paula Vásquez and Inés Cornejo, both from the Administration and Supervision Department, who presented the proposed Native Forest Correction Plan. Additionally, the experience of implementing the Timely Monitoring management model in the Ñuble region was shared.

For Andrés Espinoza, head of the Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Department of CONAF in Magallanes, "this opportunity allows us to reflect on improving internal procedures and incorporating modern remote sensing technologies for logging in native forests. It also enables the professionals from the Management Office to familiarize themselves with the regional team and institutional resources in carrying out monitoring tasks, as well as identifying opportunities for continuous improvement."

Source:El Magallanico