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Proposals Presented to Advance Restoration and Biological Corridors Alongside the Forestry Sector in Maule

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As part of the GEF Landscape Restoration Project, a working meeting was held with forestry companies in Maule, aiming to coordinate joint restoration actions in the region's pilot landscape.

The event brought together representatives from the public sector—Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, CONAF, and FAO—as well as forestry companies Arauco, CMPC, and FSC Chile.

The meeting focused on advancing proposals for the Pudú Corridor initiative and native species reforestation processes, aligned with the nature-based solutions approach promoted by the project.

What is the diagnosis?

According to official data from the Ministry of the Environment and CONAF, over 75% of the project's work area in the region currently consists of forest plantations and native forests.

Daniela de La Jara, Maule's Regional Ministerial Secretary (Seremi) of the Environment, emphasized that "this context represents a strategic opportunity to collaborate with forestry companies, which own and manage High Conservation Value Areas."

"Public-private collaboration is key to advancing ecosystem restoration and promoting biodiversity recovery and conservation practices with a long-term vision for the territories," she added.

The meeting marks a key stage of the project, as progress from a first phase initiated in 2024 was presented. During the session, a proposal for biological corridor polygons was introduced, aimed at protecting and facilitating the movement of the Pudú.

The goal is to connect existing remnants of native forests, primarily those of Ruil (Nothofagus alessandrii), a unique, endemic, and ancient tree species from the Maule region, classified as "Endangered (EN)" and "Rare" under the MMA's Wild Species Classification Regulations.

Additionally, initial collaboration agreements were discussed for implementing these actions and strengthening restoration programs led by the companies, especially in high ecological value sites prioritized by both the companies and the project.

Also attending the meeting were Maule's Seremi of Agriculture, Claudia Ramos; Felipe Barrios, representing CONAF; Arauco Forestry's Heritage Manager, Cristián Deik; CMPC's Certified Forest Management Area Manager, Patricio Herranz; FSC Chile's Executive Director, Regina Massai; and FAO Project Technical Officer, Bárbara Jarschel.

Source:Diario Talca