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National Forest Inventory Celebrates 25 Years Preserving Chile's Forests

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The Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, along with Sandra Gacitúa, Executive Director of the Forestry Institute (INFOR), and other key stakeholders, commemorated the 25th anniversary of the National Forest Inventory (NFI), a state tool that has played a crucial role in Chile's forest management. The NFI has enabled the collection of precise data on over 4.214 billion m³ of timber in native forests and 2.2 million hectares of forest plantations, as well as assessing the impact of natural disasters on these ecosystems.

Minister Valenzuela emphasized the importance of continuing to lead in generating reliable and decentralized environmental information, highlighting the NFI as an indispensable instrument to combat climate change and protect ecosystems for the well-being of future generations.

Since its creation in 2000, the NFI has been a pioneer in Latin America by adopting an ecosystem-based approach to forest studies, considering environmental, social, and economic aspects. Over its 25 years, it has characterized more than 18 million hectares of native forests and plantations, becoming an essential resource to address challenges such as climate change and wildfires.

During the commemorative event, Sandra Gacitúa highlighted the work of INFOR researcher Carlos Bahamóndez and the value of the NFI as living knowledge and applied science. Additionally, the recent inclusion of the NFI as a founding member of the Latin American and Caribbean National Forest Inventory Network was mentioned, reinforcing its commitment to regional technical cooperation.

Since 2016, the NFI has expanded its scope to include southern islands and archipelagos, adding over 3.5 million hectares of forests to its monitoring. Gacitúa concluded by reaffirming INFOR's commitment to protecting forests, which are vital for water, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, the local economy, and the well-being of future generations.

Antonio Minte, General Manager of CORMA, also acknowledged the importance of the NFI, emphasizing its relevance to the forestry sector and the need to continue this work with greater momentum.

The ceremony reiterated the role of the National Forest Inventory as a strategic public tool for sustainable development, recognizing the ecological, economic, and social value of Chile's forests.