In October 2020, an agreement signed between Codelco División El Teniente and the Forestry Institute (INFOR), an agency attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, radically changed the work that had been carried out for three decades in the Hacienda Cauquenes nursery.

From being a breeding site for tree species, it became the Mediterranean Ecosystems Research Centre (CEIEM), an institution focused on the research and breeding of forest species with conservation problems, in addition to producing various native species of the sclerophyllous forest.

“Our focus is on applied scientific research to improve the current forestry conditions and to address growing future challenges, such as water scarcity. The most important thing is that scientific knowledge is reflected in the study that INFOR is carrying out to project forest management into the future,” explained Iván Quiroz, doctor in forestry sciences and director of the center.

The Mediterranean Ecosystems Research Centre (CEIEM) searches for and germinates seeds in the nursery located on the farm, in order to then reintroduce these specimens into the territory. This work is dedicated to the production of species that are in the conservation category and others that are difficult to find on the market, such as cacti or Adiantum gertrudis, also required by the Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA).

“We also contribute to finding solutions to technical problems. We have a greenhouse where we control environmental variables such as temperature, humidity and radiation, among others, which allow us to produce species such as the Chilean palm and cactus,” Quiroz added.

The expert highlighted that the work at Hacienda Cauquenes “has focused on species such as naranjillo, lingue, Chilean palm, canelo, ferns and others that are in the conservation category. In addition, some species of cacti and bromeliads are included.”

Focus on sustainability

CEIEM contributes to Codelco's Corporate Sustainability Policy and aims to contribute to compliance with regulations and other requirements of environmental authorities, contribute to generating measures for Climate Change and contribute to carbon neutrality and innovate through applied research to restore ecosystems affected by heavy metals.

Day by day, the center works to be a Scientific-Technical reference that offers solutions to the reforestation problems and environmental commitments of El Teniente in the various territories where the company operates. In addition, it seeks to be a center specialized in Ecosystem Biodiversity; a reference in community environmental education that contributes to regional sustainability and a national reference in restoration and/or rehabilitation of territories impacted by mining operations.

CEIEM IN NUMBERS:

• The reforestation plan promoted by El Teniente has been in place for 35 years
• 350,000 plants are produced in the nursery each year.
• 20 different species
• 1,310 hectares for reforestation
• 1,634 hectares for replanting
• 1,300,000 plants of various native species will be produced in the next 5 years.
• 50,000 plants produced per year to deliver to the community.