Acoforag Warns About Fires and Forestry Sector Crisis: "Prevention is Key"
The manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag), René Muñoz, alerted about the severity of forest fires in a climate change scenario. In an interview with Vértice TV, he indicated that there are already between 300,000 and 350,000 lost hectares that have not been replanted, becoming fuel for future disasters. "When heat waves, 60 km/h winds, and low humidity combine, fifth or sixth-generation fires become uncontrollable. The only thing left is prevention," he emphasized.
Among the measures, he mentioned suspending agricultural and forestry activities on critical days, preventive patrols with support from police and military, and even restrictions such as cutting off electricity supply, as happens in the United States.
The leader recalled that Chile already suffered mega-fires in 2017 and 2023, with devastating effects on the territory and population. "The community must understand that under extreme conditions, there is no capacity for control, only for prevention," he said.
In addition to the fire threat, there is a complex economic outlook for the sector. With exports to the United States exceeding US$1.5 billion annually, the application of a 10% tariff on products like moldings and manufactured pieces could cause losses of US$150 million. "This reduces competitiveness and strains the entire production chain," warned Muñoz.
The leader added that the country needs to resume afforestation and reforestation policies. "We have 2 million eroded hectares that could be planted. Without replacement, even the carbon capture capacity of forests is at risk, which currently represents about 60% of national emissions," he concluded.
The full interview on Vértice TV's YouTube channel:
