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Change of Command at Conaf: Aida Baldini Replaces Christian Little After Mega-Fire

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• Aida Baldini takes over as director of the National Forestry Corporation amid the crisis caused by the wildfires in Valparaíso, succeeding Christian Little, who faced heavy criticism for his management.

After two years at the helm of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), Christian Little submitted his resignation as national director, during a period marked by the devastating Valparaíso mega-fire.

Aida Baldini, with over three decades of experience in the institution, takes charge with the challenge of restoring trust in the organization and improving the response to forest emergencies.

Little's management was the subject of intense criticism, especially after the February wildfires in the Fifth Region, which resulted in loss of lives and the destruction of one million hectares. The pressure peaked when he was summoned by the investigative committee of the Chamber of Deputies, where he reaffirmed his decision not to resign despite adverse circumstances.

The scandal escalated when it was revealed that one of those arrested for the fires was part of Conaf's brigades, along with a firefighter and a member of the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred). In response, Little urged the public not to label the accused as representatives of emergency services, arguing their actions did not reflect the true spirit of these organizations.

Aida Baldini, who has served at Conaf since 1992 and was manager of wildfire protection between 2018 and 2022, assumes the role at a critical moment. Her experience will be vital in leading the recovery of affected areas and implementing strategies to prevent future disasters of this scale.

The community hopes that under Baldini's leadership, Conaf can strengthen its prevention and response protocols, as well as improve coordination with other government entities and volunteers. The new leadership also faces the challenge of restoring the corporation's image and ensuring the safety and well-being of at-risk populations.