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Crisis in the South: Forestry Contractors Report 489 Attacks in 11 Years

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• Acoforag presented before Congress the severe security crisis affecting the industry and its workers, issuing an urgent call to action.

In a presentation before Congress, the Association of Forestry Contractors revealed alarming statistics: since 2014, the southern region of the country has witnessed 489 attacks, averaging 2.7 violent incidents per month this year. This wave of assaults, including the destruction of machinery and threats to human lives, has created an unprecedented crisis in the forestry industry, severely impacting workers and their families.

The crisis, largely overlooked at the national level, has had profound human and economic consequences. According to René Muñoz, manager of Acoforag, approximately 48,000 workers and their families—totaling 144,000 people—have suffered from this ongoing violence. Additionally, the industry mourns the loss of four workers killed in the context of these attacks.

Forestry contractors, as reported by VerticeTV, who play a crucial role in the regional economy and the fight against climate change, have seen their assets and working capital vanish with the destruction of 1,780 pieces of equipment. A total of 478 entrepreneurs have reported significant losses, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

The insecurity is not limited to Santiago, as largely emphasized by the government, but also extends to the southern macrozone, where 51% of the 107 municipalities have been affected. The municipalities of Contulmo, Coyipulli, Lanco, and San Juan de la Costa have been the scenes of some of the most violent incidents.

Before the Commission on Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, the Association of Forestry Contractors has requested the creation of a forestry undersecretariat to recognize the sector's importance and promote work and regional development. This measure aims not only to address the security crisis but also to strengthen the industry in the face of climate change challenges.

The urgency for an effective response from authorities is palpable, and the association hopes its appeal to Congress will be a decisive step toward restoring security and stability in the country's south.

The full report in the following video by Vértice TV: