In light of the rising temperatures already experienced this spring and projected to rise even further in the summer season, Codelco División El Teniente reaffirmed its commitment to the Protection Ring of the Río Los Cipreses and Alto Cachapoal National Reserve, a public-private space that has been in place for seven years.

The Cipreses River Protection Ring is a collaborative effort between representatives of public organizations (SENAPRED, Carabineros, Bomberos, Municipality of Machalí, Regional Government and CONAF), companies (Pacific Hydro and Codelco) and community organizations. Its main objective is to protect the surroundings of the national reserve from possible emergencies, especially during the summer season.

Milenka Gjakoni, a specialist engineer from the Directorate of Territory and Circular Economy of El Teniente, explained that the objective is “to ensure that there is permanent communication between the actors and authorities. In the event of an emergency, the emergency protocol is quickly activated to make resources and logistical support available to address the fire or other catastrophes that could occur in the Alto Cachapoal mountain sector, which includes the Río Los Cipreses National Reserve.”

Arturo Morales, president of the Ring, explained the importance of this work. “The participation of companies is important because we are participants and protagonists of the territory. We are all interested in protecting the reserve, protecting the environment and taking care of our town,” he said.

Marcelo Montesinos, regional director of SENAPRED O'Higgins, added that "correct and effective coordination will allow us to take preventive actions before the occurrence of the damage and subsequently, once the alert is declared, have all the necessary resources to fight forest fires."