Challenging Scenario for Forestry Contractors

It has been almost 50 years since forestry contractors emerged as key players in the development of the sector in Chile. Their presence has left deep marks, highlighting three fundamental aspects:

1. Formation of the forestry heritage:We are the architects in the formation of planted forests with exotic species, traditionally questioned such as pine and eucalyptus, which now cover 2.1 million hectares and constitute a strategic resource for the country.

2. Innovation and technology:The technological advances and innovations of the sector, which place Chile on par with first-world forestry countries, were implemented, tested, and developed on the ground by forestry contractors.

3. Development of human and business capital:Our guild is composed of technicians and professionals whose work has contributed to the consolidation of large companies, many of which now operate as transnationals in the forestry business.

These three milestones are concrete evidence of the contribution our guild has made to the development of the country's forestry sector.

However, current times are challenging for forestry contractors.

For 12 years, we have faced persistent terrorist violence in the southern macro-zone, which we have stoically resisted alone and with the sole commitment to defend forestry work to continue contributing to the country.

To this is added a significant reduction in forest area due to intentional fires, which, along with the lack of promotion programs for the afforestation of exotic and native species, have drastically reduced forestry activity in the southern regions of the country.

Lastly, some companies implemented changes in the outsourcing of services, through the direct management of their operations and forestry activities, thereby causing the exit of service providers or contractors who historically performed these tasks.

All these factors directly affect the job supply for forestry contractors and should be a warning sign for our guild. This reality demands a call to explore new work and business models, to think "outside the box" to evolve and ensure the continuity of our work in the face of a scenario that threatens the extinction of those who have made much of the country's forestry development possible.

Looking ahead to 2026, we trust that the combination of increased promotion programs, the recovery of forest area devastated by fire, and the adoption of new work strategies will allow for a more favorable scenario, where forestry contractors can continue contributing to the development of the sector, with security, stability, and sustained growth.

The editorial is available in the Revista Contratistas Forestales