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 Non-wooded forest products  Fuelwood is by far the principal forest product of Chiloé, representing 90% of the total forest harvest. The disadvantages of this activity are numerous, but we can outline the short-term use of the resources, the very small added value, and the progressive resource draining.The environmental impacts after years of exploitation are a considerable reduction of the Archipelago's mature forests. That is why it is urgent to find alternative forms of generating income, while there is still primary forest stand areas available. The role of Bosque Modelo Chiloé consists of identifying all of the forest products that can be used by the campesinos and then to put efforts in the promotion of their integrated use; adding value to the products and defining their commercialisation forms. Projects Avellanas: Market signs show increasing interest for natural products, which give high marketing potential to the hazelnut tree fruit of Chiloé. Therefore, the harvest of the fruit and its post-harvest management is becoming a new way to earn a living for some rural families. From an environmental point of view, this activity is an ecological answer to the traditional transformation of forests into low production fields and the destruction of stands for fuelwood. Honey: Honey is highly appreciated as a natural product, especially when it comes from various plant species, like Chiloé's one. Here too, the production and selling of the product has been a good way to reduce the pressures on the forest. Medicinal plants: Many of Chiloé's tree and plant species have been used historically for their medicinal values, especially by the Huilliches. The management of the forests for the protection of medicinal plants allows keeping the traditional knowledge of their use alive and developing markets to increase the families' income. Through the Caciques Council (indigenous members), BMCh has worked with ten communities where the experiences have been put in a self-care manual. Challenges BMCh would like to identify new products, replicate the successful experiences, and increase the production and commercialisation. |
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 Chacabuco 468, Castro, Chiloé Phone: (65) 63 8384 Fax: (65) 63 8385 e-mail: bmchiloe@telsur.cl |