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Chilean Palm Receives Maximum International Protection

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The Chilean palm (Jubaea chilensis), recognized as the southernmost palm in the world and a symbol of Chile's natural heritage, has obtained the highest level of international protection after being included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

This decision, made during the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, implies a severe restriction on the international trade of the species, including specimens, plants, seeds, and derivatives.

The resolution comes as a crucial advancement for the conservation of the Chilean palm, whose populations have suffered a dramatic decline due to human intervention and adverse environmental factors. Currently, most surviving specimens are found in protected areas. The protection proposal was presented by Chile, with collaboration between the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and the Forestry Institute (INFOR).

The Minister of Agriculture, Ignacia Fernández, expressed her satisfaction with the national effort to protect one of the most emblematic species of the Chilean native forest. She highlighted that the measure reflects the country's commitment to protecting its native species. Sandra Gacitúa, Executive Director of INFOR, valued the scientific backing that underpins the CITES decision and noted that the measure will strengthen conservation and reduce threats associated with illegal trade.

Rodrigo Illesca, Executive Director of CONAF, emphasized the importance of this milestone for the management of native forests and the recovery of the Chilean palm for future generations. Marlene González, CITES Officer at INFOR, highlighted from Uzbekistan the impact of the resolution on national conservation policies and the importance of Chile's technical presence at CoP20 to strengthen international cooperation on biodiversity.

The Chilean delegation in Samarkand, composed of representatives from various institutions, has played a key role in highlighting the urgency of protecting native forests and advancing effective conservation strategies. The CoP20 decision marks a fundamental step in the global protection of the Chilean palm, an essential element of the landscape in central Chile and its ecological heritage.