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Increased Oversight and Protection of Natural Resources: The Scope of the New Forestry Institution in Biobío

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With the unanimous approval of the bill by the Senate in its final legislative step, after years of debate in Congress, the National Forestry Service (Sernafor) will finally become law and replace the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf).

The new entity, awaiting promulgation by the President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric, is a public service that strengthens the State's role in preventing and combating forest fires, promoting urban tree planting, enforcing regulations governing the forestry sector, and advancing sustainability in the sector.

In this context, the regional director of Conaf Biobío, Esteban Krause, highlighted the implementation for the Biobío Region, stating that "it was important for the State of Chile that the institution safeguarding natural resources be entirely public (...) There was consensus across the political spectrum on the need to transform this corporation into a public service."

Regarding Sernafor's operational launch in the Region, Krause explained that "once the law is published, it takes effect immediately. No waiting period is required for the transformation. Administratively and resource-wise, we have long had the obligation to align with public service standards."

Similarly, the current regional director of Conaf affirmed that the new institution in Biobío "will enable a long-term perspective regarding our natural resources."

Another aspect of the new law establishing the National Forestry Service is the inclusion of the Biodiversity Service under the Ministry of the Environment, which, according to Krause, signifies the protection of natural resources and the improvement of forestry governance.

Additionally, one of its core functions is the prevention and combat of forest fires, a task that will be reinforced under this new framework. It mandates the creation of a National Plan for Reducing Forest Fire Risk, coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction System, exceptional powers for the service during forest fires, and the establishment of a National Registry for Forest Fire Protection.

Specifically, regarding the transition to the new service, its fire-related scope, and its operational launch in the Region, the regional director stated, "We have the experience and knowledge, but we must also consider climate change and the evolving nature of forest fires, which now carry not only environmental implications but also human and community impacts, especially for those living near forests."

Differences from Conaf

The law creating this new public service establishes it as a decentralized body with legal status and its own assets, overseen by the President of the Republic through the Ministry of Agriculture.

On the key changes brought by the new forestry governance, Krause emphasized, "We will have more tools for oversight, which was previously limited because we were private employees. This posed challenges in justifying certain decisions before courts."

"One of the hallmarks of the Biobío Region is its industrial capacity tied to natural resources, particularly exotic plantations. We must balance environmental and productive interests," added the director of Conaf Biobío.

When asked about equipment, personnel, and investment changes under Sernafor, Krause explained, "We have systematically improved our resources, such as in forest fire control. For oversight, we now have better equipment, access to satellite imagery, and updated visuals when field inspections aren't possible. Our technical infrastructure has been upgraded to respond faster and more effectively to complaints or requests."

Source:Diario Concepción