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Forestry Contractors Question Chile's Reforestation Strategy

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• From Acoforag A.G., they stated that they are fully aware of the importance of working cautiously, halting operations when extreme conditions arise that could fuel the spread of these disasters.

The manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors, René Muñoz Klock, indicated that they currently believe reforestation efforts in the country have not been prioritized following last season's forest fires. However, he acknowledged that in Biobío, coordination to control these incidents has successfully reduced emergencies this season. The leader projected a bleak outlook due to the fires of the past two seasons: "There is no encouraging scenario in terms of recovering forests and land overall, which the country needs to expand or begin reforesting what has been lost."

"There is no decisive action from the Government to ensure this recovery takes place. There are no concrete subsidy programs, which are the support and commitment of the State to restore the lost forests," he criticized.

According to the group's estimates, "approximately 250,000 to 300,000 hectares have been lost between the fires of 2017, 2023, and this season." Regarding preventing such disasters, Muñoz Klock acknowledged that "there is improvement in the coordination required between the private sector and the Government. This has been reflected in areas historically affected by fires." "The situation differs from what happened in the north, in Valparaíso, which we could say is a forestry zone," he compared.

The manager of Acoforag A.G. explained that "the lessons from past seasons and the proactivity observed are positive signs that better results can be achieved when there is coordination, attitude, and willingness." "Prevention efforts, particularly in monitoring days when weather conditions favor fire spread, have been noticeable," praised the spokesperson for the sector's service providers.

"We believe this is the path to follow because forest resources must be protected. They generate significant employment," urged the national coordinator of forestry contractors. He added that forestry activity also contributes by supplying industries that process, trade, and export these materials, stating that such processes "are beneficial for the country."

Regarding workforce availability in the forestry contracting sector—a market diminished due to safety concerns for workers operating in conflict zones, primarily the Southern Macrozone—René Muñoz Klock noted that "part of the principles we, as forestry contractors, uphold is that operations stop under extreme conditions."

The representative of the Association of Forestry Contractors A.G. affirmed that "we are all aware that any spark from wood contact or machinery hitting stones can instantly cause a fire." "Under extreme conditions, forests—where we work—can burn," he warned. The manager of Acoforag A.G. stated that "today, workers and forestry contractors are conscious of protecting their livelihoods."

"Working in forests and taking precautions has always been a guiding principle for us, even more so now," emphasized the manager of the national forestry workers' association. He added that this concern is especially evident when "conditions worsen and increase fire risks. Our work depends on forests, and we protect them."

Source:www.latribuna.cl