Conserve for Impact: The 1st FSC Ecosystem Services Summit in Latin America

Latin America faces the critical challenge of reconciling economic development, climate action, and biodiversity conservation. In response, the 1st FSC Ecosystem Services Summit in Latin America focused on the strategic value of conserving, restoring, and managing forest ecosystems responsibly. Taking place in Chile and organized by the local office from 23-26 September, the Summit brought to life the slogan ‘Conserve for Impact’ through field visits, data, and first-hand testimonies.

On Day 1, FSC Latin American Network Partners, regional Staff and stakeholders from diverse private sector companies and community representatives gathered to learn that FSC certification isn’t just a label, but a bridge between sustainable forest management, climate action, and biodiversity. We saw how FSC has completed 96 Verified Impact projects in 25 countries. This means 3.5 million hectares are protected under Verified Impact – half of which come from Latin America.  

Day 2 took us into the field at Fundo Idahue (Viña Concha y Toro). Between vineyards and native forest, we witnessed a living example of harmony: for every productive hectare, there lies nearly half an acre of FSC-certified sclerophyll forest alive with biodiversity. Moreover, Concha y Toro has achieved FSC Verified Impact for carbon sequestration and storage as part of their effort to reinforce regenerative practices in pursuit of their sustainability goals. 

The Laguna Taguatagua School Museum (MELT) in the heart of the vineyard embodies the belief that territory and heritage belong to the communities themselves. Ignacio Celis, Executive Director of Fundacion Añañuca, in charge of the MELT initiative, explained that Viña Concha y Toro had once been home to megafauna toward the end of the Ice Age in Chile. 

As Pablo Lagos, Sustainability Engineer at Concha y Toro confirmed: “Conservation, sustainability, and the protection of native forest are possible for Concha y Toro under FSC standards and through cooperation with CONANP (the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas).” This field visit demonstrated how the private sector, FSC certification, and local and academic institutions can not only protect the forest but also elevate the cultural value of the land. 

On day 3, the Summit combined hard data with tangible testimonies from communities, showing how they have benefited from FSC Verified Impact. From presentations about local impact to panels focused on scaling projects, the day highlighted that good intentions are not enough; we need robust metrics and funding to make them viable. 

Leaders from communities and the private sector emphasized that metrics, collaboration, and funding must follow swiftly. As Subhra Bhattacharjee, our FSC General Director, mentioned, “The moment is urgent. It’s time for the private world to take a step forward. We all know governments are doing the best they can, but that’s not enough.” María Luisa Soto, representative of the Topia ejido in Mexico, added her perspective, “The forest has not been burned; jobs have been created; we have brought social, economic, and environmental impact through ecosystem services thanks to FSC.” 

By the end, ‘Conserve for Impact’ wasn’t just a slogan – it was what we heard, saw, and felt: forests giving back and empowered communities.  

Watch event highlights.

Watch the full event below.