In January 2017, intensive fires affected the central-southern zone of Chile, which had a severe impact on the agroforestry sector at all levels and exposed the limited preventive measures in place for managing and planning post-fire.
Particularly in the Region of O'Higgins, the fire had a severe impact on the agroforestry sector of the drylands, resulting in the loss of large, medium and small forest properties. Furthermore, it is expected that future damage will occur to the apicultural, forestry and livestock producers, as a result of erosion, runoff and water loss and functionality.
Focusing on local productive systems, especially agroforestry and livestock systems, the Faculty of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, at Catholic University of Chile.proposed to establish a demonstration plot, conduct a farm-level diagnosis and through discussion will propose early actions and management to mitigate the effects of fire and increase productivity post-fire disturbance in the O'Higgins region, specifically in the Pumanque Municipality.
Anglo Chilean Society has supported the initiative with a donation of £5.716