26 Oct
2006 - Valdavia, Chile – WWF has presented the
Chilean timber company Masisa and the Mapu Lahual
Indigenous Association with a “Leaders for a Living
Planet” award in recognition of their conservation
efforts to protect the coastal forests of the
Valdivian Ecoregion.
Masisa was recognized for its
pledge to strengthen the Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) certification system in Chile, under which
they have managed their plantations since 2004.
The timber company has also committed to identifying
forests of high value within their own properties
and create more protected areas.
“Like all companies we are in
business to make a profit, but our objective is
not to obtain this profit at whatever cost,” said
Masisa representative Claudio Caro at the award
ceremony.
“We have incorporated respect
for the environment and local communities as common
business practice. We hope to be good neighbours
with those who inhabit the forest.”
The Mapu Lahual Indigenous Association,
located along the coastal range of Chile’s Osorno
Province, was also recognized for its efforts
towards the conservation of temperate rainforests
on their ancestral land, and for the creation
of the first network on indigenous parks in Chile.
The association is also undertaking ecotourism
projects that seek to promote the value of the
forest and coastal ecosystems within their territory,
while gaining economic benefits for the communities.
“The continual loss and lack
of protection of the coastal forests are a critical
issue for Chile,” said WWF Chile coordinator David
Tecklin.
“The conservation initiatives
and pledges made by the Mapu Lahual Association
and Masisa are just a start. We hope that within
the next year other initiatives will be taken
to improve the conservation of the costal forests
and marine ecosystems.”
In particular, WWF is working
with local partners to declare a protected coastal
marine area for the Gulf of Corcovado, an important
feeding and breeding zone for blue whales.
The Valdivian Ecoregion, located
on the southwest coast of Chile and extending
into a small part of Argentina, is characterized
by a long coastline, as well as a land area covered
with glaciers and numerous lakes. It is also home
to such unique species as the species such as
the pudú, the world’s smallest deer; the
monito del monte, an ancient marsupial; the huillín,
a river otter; and Darwin's fox and frog.
Annelore Hoffens, Communications
Officer
WWF Chile
