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Magdalena Lisboa: The Forestry Engineer Leading a Unique Global Project from Arauco

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From the province of Arauco, Magdalena Lisboa is setting a milestone in national forestry. A forestry engineer and daughter of one of Chile’s first generations of professionals in the field, she now leads Regnans, the only company in the world commercially cultivating Eucalyptus Regnans outside Australia.

“My dad is the 18th forestry engineer to graduate in Chile. Today, he’s 89 years old and still works with me every day. It’s a privilege,” Magdalena shared in an interview with Conversando con la Acoforag. Inspired by her childhood surrounded by nature and her father’s experience, Lisboa studied forestry engineering and later pursued a doctorate focused on eucalyptus silviculture. Eleven years ago, she formally joined the family business.

Eucalyptus Regnans—a species native to Australia, where it’s protected in old-growth forests—was introduced to Chile over 40 years ago by her father, who discovered its potential in trials by the Forestry Institute. After years of trial-and-error learning, Regnans now cultivates this species sustainably and with certification, exporting mainly to Australia while also supplying the domestic market.

The primary use of this wood is for high-value cladding, flooring, and furniture, with controlled drying being one of the biggest technical challenges. “We had to learn from scratch how to dry this wood. It’s a very long process, taking up to six months,” Lisboa explained. This knowledge has helped position a competitive product in demanding markets, even competing in the species’ country of origin.

Reflecting on her personal contribution, Magdalena highlighted the role of the new generation in modernizing the company: “I’ve worked especially on opening the domestic market, improving administrative processes, and participating in trade shows and seminars.”

Lisboa also compared Regnans to other species like Nitens, which has struggled to establish itself as structural timber in Chile due to drying issues: “This work can’t be done at an industrial level. It’s closer to the artisanal process used with native woods.”

Magdalena Lisboa’s story reflects how innovation, long-term vision, and a deep connection to the land can give rise to a unique, sustainable, and internationally ambitious venture.

Watch the full interview on Acoforag’s YouTube channel: