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Conaf Studies Impact of Mega-Drought on Mediterranean and Temperate Forests in Chile

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A study to analyze the impact of the mega-drought on the degradation of native forests, spanning from the Coquimbo Region to the Los Lagos Region, is being conducted by the Department of Climate Change and Ecosystem Services of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), in collaboration with a research team from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, led by Professor Marcelo Miranda.

The research began in 2022 and has incorporated satellite data, statistical modeling, and field validation. Among the key findings, a sustained pattern of vegetation productivity loss was identified, particularly in the Sclerophyllous and Chilean Palm forest types.

This degradation, linked to prolonged water stress, is known as browning and includes symptoms such as defoliation, canopy loss, dieback, and standing dead trees. These signs were verified in the field, confirming the validity of the detected anomalies, with observed physical stress indicators (dry canopies, abnormal shoots, and dead trees), alongside the influence of anthropogenic factors (firewood extraction, livestock grazing, and fires) on the degradation.

Additionally, the analysis revealed that local factors, such as forest structure and topography, are more decisive than climate in trees' response to these phenomena.

According to the researchers, the study demonstrates the severe vulnerability of the country's Mediterranean forests to extreme climate events, as they are affected more intensely, extensively, and recurrently, highlighting the importance of integrated monitoring for the adaptive management of forest ecosystems.

The final report will be made available to the public once the consultancy is completed and will be disseminated through an informational note and an open public seminar, which will be announced in due course.