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President of CMPC Criticizes Lack of State Support and Warns of Risk of Marginalizing the Forestry Sector in the Country

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• The executive emphasizes that there are one million hectares with forestry potential currently underutilized, representing a significant economic waste.

The president of the forestry company CMPC, Luis Felipe Gazitúa, has issued a warning about the current state of the forestry industry in Chile, pointing to a disconnect between the promising international outlook and the national reality. Through a letter to shareholders and an interview on Tele13 Radio, Gazitúa has accused the State of failing to provide the necessary incentives for the country's 25,000 small and medium-sized forestry producers, despite evident growth opportunities.

Gazitúa highlights that there are one million hectares with forestry potential currently underutilized, representing a significant economic waste. Additionally, he underscores the industry's importance as a carbon sink and producer of biodegradable goods—a booming sector globally that seems overlooked in Chile.

The businessman also addressed the issue of wildfires, noting that while there was a decrease in arson incidents in 2023 compared to 2022, the fire season recorded 600 fires, with an alarming 70% of them being intentional. Gazitúa urges authorities to acknowledge the intentionality behind these fires to tackle the problem effectively.

While acknowledging increased government concern and resource allocation for wildfire prevention and the conflict in La Araucanía, Gazitúa insists that it is essential to admit the intentional nature of the fires to address the issue properly.

Comparing Chile's situation with that of international companies like Apple, which is investing in forest plantations to achieve carbon neutrality, Gazitúa stresses the need for the State to shift its perspective and once again stimulate private activity in the forestry sector—just as is done in other countries where the industry is valued for its contribution to sustainable development and carbon capture.

Gazitúa's message is clear: it is imperative for the Chilean State to recognize and support the forestry industry, not only for its economic potential but also for its crucial role in combating climate change.