René Muñoz: "The Chilean forestry sector is now a sustainable industry with high labor standards"
The manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag), René Muñoz, discussed in an interview with the YouTube channel Ferramenta the transformation of the Chilean forestry sector over the last two decades, the violence affecting the southern macro-zone, and the myths that, in his opinion, still persist around the activity.
Muñoz stated that current forestry work "is no longer what it was 20 years ago." He assured that the working conditions of laborers have improved substantially thanks to the incorporation of international certifications that demand standards in equipment, safety, transportation, and camps.
"Today it is a sector that guarantees good working conditions with all the requirements demanded by a demanding, yet professionalized, industry. The myths that still persist correspond to a past reality that we have not managed to dismantle," he stated.
Stigmatization of the industry
When asked about the forestry sector's image, Muñoz acknowledged that there is a degree of stigmatization towards the activity.
"We are associated with large economic groups, and the idea is conveyed that the wealth generated has been at the expense of southern communities. But the reality is that investment brings development and employment. The forestry industry generates work and well-being in regions that have historically been marginalized," he emphasized.
Myths and sustainability
The manager of Acoforag also referred to the negative perception towards plantations of exotic species, mainly pine and eucalyptus.
"The myth that plantations harm the environment is a mistake. The more than 2.1 million planted hectares have contributed to regional development and, furthermore, there are 2 million eroded hectares that urgently require vegetation cover. Without reforestation, there will be no carbon neutrality by 2050," he warned.
In that sense, he defended the sustainability of the sector:
"Trees capture CO₂ and release oxygen. Wood is a carbon reservoir that can be transformed into paper, fabrics, packaging materials, and even sustainable construction. The more forests we have, the greater our contribution to the fight against climate change," he proposed.
A key industry for the future
Muñoz emphasized that Chile's challenge is to understand that the forestry industry is not only an economic engine but also an environmental tool.
"Today, wood construction in Chile barely reaches 20%, while in Europe it reaches 80%. We must move towards that path. Wood is the material of the future if we want sustainability," he concluded.
The full interview on the Ferramenta YouTube channel:
