Science Magazine: Chile’s highway plans threaten ancient forests

“Building a highway through this vulnerable ecosystem would increase the risk of invasion by invasive species, facilitate illegal logging, and greatly increase the likelihood of extensive wildfires in the park. More than 90% of forest fires occur within 1 km from roads in Chile,” the complaint states.

During the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) in December 2022, nearly 200 countries, including Chile, agreed to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and take urgent action to halt the extinction of endangered species. Despite this commitment, the Chilean government promotes the construction of a highway that crosses the Alerce Costero National Park. And an area of ​​global importance for the conservation of biodiversity and home to the endangered conifer fitzroya cupressoides. Throughout the world, roads threaten biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Before moving forward with this project, Chile should consider the likelihood that the highway will undermine the country’s progress toward international environmental commitments.

Fitzroya, which grows exclusively in Chile and Argentina, is one of the longest-lived tree species on Earth. Fitzroya forests are among the most carbon sequestering forests worldwide and provide critical ecosystem services and a wealth of historical and environmental information. Fitzroya populations face a high risk of extinction after centuries of overharvesting and burning, and more recently as a result of climate change.

During the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) in December 2022, nearly 200 countries, including Chile, agreed to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and take urgent action to halt the extinction of endangered species. Despite this commitment, the Chilean government promotes the construction of a highway that crosses the Alerce Costero National Park. And an area of ​​global importance for the conservation of biodiversity and home to the endangered conifer fitzroya cupressoides. Throughout the world, roads threaten biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Before moving forward with this project, Chile should consider the likelihood that the highway will undermine the country’s progress toward international environmental commitments.

The highway proposed by Chile completely ignores the COP15 agreement. The government must honor their rights and prioritize the protection of the most endangered species in the country. The global biodiversity crisis and the unprecedented high risk of species extinction require a timely and concrete response to achieve the goal of reducing extinction risks and protecting 30% of the planet.

Rocio Urrutia-Jalabert

Jonathan Barichivitch

alvaro g. gutierrez

Alexander Miranda