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Native Forest Owners in Maule Receive Machinery and Equipment for Dendroenergy Production

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As part of the actions carried out by the National Strategy on Climate Change and Vegetation Resources (ENCCRV) through the +Forests Project, 14 small and medium-sized native forest owners in the region received equipment and machinery for the production of dendroenergy products, delivered by authorities.

The event, held at the facilities of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) in the city of Talca, was attended by CONAF's regional director, María Isabel Florido, who, along with the FAO regional representative for the +Forests Project, Cesar Sepúlveda, handed over these supplies to the beneficiaries who won the public tender in 2024. The supplies included personal protective equipment, STIHL 382 chainsaws, starters, firewood processors, moisture meters, and more.

Cesar Sepúlveda, the program's representative in Maule, stated: "The +Forests Project is funded by the Green Climate Fund and receives technical and administrative support from FAO for its implementation. Among its action measures, the project promotes a specific line focused on strengthening the dendroenergy program, which since 2021 has benefited 40 families engaged in firewood production from native forests."

Meanwhile, Óscar Rioseco, owner of a property in the San Clemente district, said, "I am truly very happy about receiving these tools and equipment, as they will allow us to improve our firewood production process. I am from Molina, but my property is in San Clemente, where we produce firewood through sustainable native forest management. So, I am very pleased with this benefit—not just for me but for all of us who received it today. It’s a great help for us."

One of the components of the national climate change strategy is a sustainable management model for vegetation ecosystems, which aims to influence production with quality standards for biomass (firewood) and its derivatives for heating purposes. Firewood is the most widely used biofuel in Chile, with an estimated annual consumption of 12 million cubic meters (9 million tons).

Regarding this, CONAF Maule's regional director, María Isabel Florido, expressed, "In recent years, CONAF has worked hard to build partnerships and take actions that enable people to access a legal and quality firewood supply. For the Ministry of Agriculture, and particularly for CONAF, this program is key to its forestry policy, as it includes objectives to increase the supply of biofuels from legal sources with certified quality. Serious work in this area ensures that firewood does not negatively impact air quality while improving the livelihoods of thousands of families whose income depends directly on this biofuel."

The event concluded with a technical induction, where beneficiaries received training on the operation, maintenance, and warranties of the delivered equipment.