Women Recognized as "Guardians of the Forest" in Los Ríos by CONAF and FAO

Saval Park in Valdivia was the setting for the ceremony recognizing sixteen women from different corners of the Los Ríos region for their work in the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of native forests. Nursery workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, Mapuche Williche women, and environmental educators, all united by one conviction: the native forest is a natural heritage that must be cared for.

The activity "Let's Recognize the Women Guardians of the Forest," organized by the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) Los Ríos and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was held within the framework of the International Day of Forests, celebrated on March 21, and as a closing event for Women's Month.

For the regional director of CONAF Los Ríos, Oscar Droguett, this activity has been very enriching. "We are in Saval Park, of the Valdivia Municipality, where we have recognized women from the different communes of the Los Ríos region as guardians of the forest, as they have worked in forestry activities, plant production, among others. The work they carry out is fundamental to advancing the National Strategy on Climate Change and Vegetation Resources (ENCCRV) led by CONAF, and reflects how local knowledge and leadership are key to protecting the native forest, water, and life in our region."

Nationally, of the 277 projects awarded in the latest 2025 Public Call for Proposals of the ENCCRV, 121 correspond to female project holders, equivalent to 43.7% of the total.

Los Ríos, in 2025, also exceeded its regional target, with over 3,574 hectares intervened, where female participation in the latest call is even more notable: of the 27 projects awarded in the region, 14 have a woman as the holder, surpassing projects led by men for the first time and representing 51.9% of the regional total.

"This recognition is a symbol of the work carried out by these women in the sustainable management of the native forest," comments Pablo Honeyman, national coordinator of the +Forests Project. "The data from the latest 2025 public call reveal significant and growing female participation in the Los Ríos region and throughout the territory where action measures are implemented under the +Forests Project."