On May 23, the Ministry of Agriculture published the establishment of the new National Forestry Service in Chile’s Official Gazette, as reported by biobiochile.cl.
The new agency replaces the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), a private entity established in 1973.
The National Forestry Service (Sernafor) will operate as a decentralized public body under the Ministry of Agriculture.
According to the Official Gazette, Sernafor will take over all legal functions, assets, and staff of CONAF.
The agency will manage native forests, xerophytic vegetation, and related ecosystems, with a focus on sustainable productivity.
It is mandated to ensure equitable and inclusive management across all regions.
Chile’s Minister of Agriculture Esteban Valenzuela stated on May 6 that 80 percent of CONAF staff will transition into the new agency.
Valenzuela said: “The service will be responsible for preserving and supporting sustainable processes from a productive perspective of the native forest, as well as the xerophytic formations in the north-central region of Chile.”
He added: “It will play an important role in promoting the timber industry and our forests, which are a key part of the country’s productive matrix and our contribution to carbon capture in Chile’s global commitments to address climate change.”
Valenzuela continued: “It will also work in collaboration with the Fire Department to prevent and mitigate forest fires as a national and territorial safeguard.”
The Official Gazette states that Sernafor will coordinate Chile’s National Plan for Forest Fire Risk Reduction.
This plan will be mandatory for all agencies involved in wildfire response and disaster risk planning.
In emergencies, the agency may access private properties to extract water by the fastest available means to supply firefighting aircraft and equipment.
Law enforcement support may be requested to enforce these access rights.
Sernafor will compile an updated national catalogue of tree and shrub species most suitable to Chile’s varied climates and soils.
It is tasked with maintaining and restoring forests, controlling land degradation, and supporting climate change adaptation.
Field officials will have ministerial status when conducting inspections and documenting violations.
The Ministry of Agriculture has published the creation of Chile’s National Forestry Service in the Official Gazette.
The agency replaces the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), which was founded in 1973.
Sernafor is a decentralized public body operating under the Ministry of Agriculture.
It will manage native forests, xerophytic vegetation, and associated ecosystems.
Sernafor will coordinate the country’s wildfire risk reduction plan.
It can access private land to extract water for firefighting.
Law enforcement support may be used to enforce emergency powers.
The service will oversee urban forestry and vegetation monitoring.
It is required to maintain a national catalogue of suitable plant species.
Officials will be able to act as ministers of faith in enforcement matters.
Sernafor inherits all staff, functions, and assets of CONAF.
It will play a role in carbon capture and climate change strategies.
All functions are outlined in Law No. 21.744 and are now in force.
