Valdivia: Conaf states that Arauco forests for sale would not be exploited for at least eight years

The director of Conaf in Los Ríos, Óscar Droguett, stated that the nearly 30 thousand hectares of eucalyptus forest currently in the sale process by Forestal Arauco would not be exploited for at least another eight years.

The authority confirmed that he recently became aware of the purchase agreement entered into by the company with local investors, for the sale of the standing timber on 561 properties for over 216.5 million dollars plus VAT, which must be finalized by mid-August.

In that regard, Droguett said that for now there would be no truck movement for the exploitation of said biomass, which is projected for eight or ten years from now.

"Regarding the issue of Arauco's sale of this asset and area, what I can tell you at this moment is that I had a meeting last week at the central office in Concepción, and these are forests that for the time being will not yet be exploited, so there would not be a major impact from truck movement; these are still areas and standing timber sales that will remain standing for at least eight more years, which are not yet in the process of being cut," he explained.

Regarding Conaf's action in this process, he said they will be vigilant in ensuring compliance with the Forestry Law and the management plan, as well as the project and how they will present the studies for the exploitation or cutting of the plantations.

On the matter, the company Arauco has declined to give interviews, while the Regional Government and the Seremi of Economy have also preferred not to comment.

However, the Valdivia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Tourism, and Services indicated that this action is also an opportunity to boost economic sectors such as food services, lodging, and others.

On the other hand, Impulsa Madera Los Rios considered that the situation allows Arauco to continue being a "tractor" of the forestry sector in the area and to enhance productive chain linkages, with the challenge of improving local development.

Source:BiobioChile