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CONAF and Air Force Promote Tree Planting with Sustainable Technology in Antofagasta

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As part of the Community Tree Planting Program led by CONAF in the Antofagasta Region, over 140 people, including families from the Cerro Moreno area and personnel from the Chilean Air Force, participated in a significant native tree planting event held at the main entrance of the Cerro Moreno Air Base.

The activity involved planting 67 carob trees, a native species representative of northern Chile, in an area historically devoid of vegetation. This initiative not only aims to improve the environment and demarcate access zones but also to strengthen community ties and promote the use of solutions adapted to the desert climate.

One of the innovative elements of the event was the use of the Waterboxx system, an efficient irrigation technique that allows trees to grow in highly arid conditions by capturing and storing dew and morning fog, common phenomena along the Atacama Desert coast.

"We are very pleased with this event and the work we have been consolidating with the Air Force over the years. This is the first time we have conducted a community planting with them, marking a milestone for our region. We planted 67 carob trees, a native species resilient to northern conditions, using Waterboxx, a technology that helps us irrigate more efficiently," said Anita Huichaman, Regional Director of CONAF Antofagasta.

The director also emphasized the context of this tree-planting effort, "We live in a desert area where establishing a tree is not easy. That’s why this work is so valuable—it’s a collective effort to create green spaces, improve quality of life, and contribute to the fight against climate change," she added.

For his part, Brigadier General (A) Humberto Fernández Pittari, Commander of the V Air Brigade, highlighted the importance of this event for the unit and the community, "This has been a very successful activity, and I sincerely thank everyone who participated. Initiatives like this allow us to build connections with our surroundings, contribute to the well-being of the territory, and reaffirm our institutional commitment to environmental care," he stated.

The activity is part of a broader collaborative plan between CONAF and the Air Force, which includes future tree plantings in institutional housing areas, educational interventions in schools, and the planting of trees in a community memorial.

These initiatives are part of the regional commitment to planting species adapted to the environment. In 2024 alone, over 9,000 trees were planted across the region, a number that aims to be maintained and expanded this year through joint work with communities and institutions.