Sustainable Management of Forest Plantations and Natural Forests in Chile

Abstract

The Chilean forest sector is playing an increasingly important role in the economy of the country. It has swiftly grown during the last 25 years. About 45% of the total land area has been classified as land deemed apt for forest growing. However, only less than 10% is covered by closed natural forests and 2% by the fast growing monocultures of Radiata pine plantations, which provide approximately 80% of total consumption of industrial roundwood. Most commercial forests are owned by private companies and individuals. The forest industries have expanded rapidly, concentrating a large part of commercial forests, exports of forest products, investments, and technological development. In spite of the increasing economic importance of forestry, the analysis of its development also reveals weaknesses. A wood production criterion has dominated and little attention has been paid to sustainable forestry. The development of the Chilean forest sector should be based on a better knowledge of the forest ecosystems’ extension and location, rational management, and utilisation on the basis of silvicultural, environmental, and socio-economic considerations. A new forest policy has to be established for promoting a balanced and sustainable development of both natural forests and plantations, and forest industries should be required to uphold these principles.