From conservation to value: FSC Chile drives a new ecosystem services economy in Patagonia

The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Division 8 Conference 2026, held in Coyhaique in the Aysén Region of Chile, brought together researchers, decision-makers, and international institutions to address key challenges related to forests, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate change in Chilean Patagonia. This high-level scientific event created a strategic space for dialogue, collaboration, and coordination across global networks. 

In this context, FSC Chile’s participation of positioned ecosystem services as a central pillar of the region’s sustainable development. 

During a panel, FSC Climate and Ecosystem Services Lead for Latin America César Galarza raised the need to evolve from traditional conservation approaches to market-based solutions grounded in verifiable impact. He highlighted the role of the FSC system as a key bridge between science, territory, and the economy. 

Executive Director of FSC Chile Regina Massai and the Leader of the Sustainable Watersheds Program and Impact Acceleration at FSC Chile, Rayen Catrileo presented experiences such as the Sustainable Watersheds Program to demonstrate ing how FSC Verified Impact integrates governance, local development, and ecosystem protection. They introduced the first case of economic valuation of ecosystem services under this system – a milestone that opens new opportunities to make the value of forests visible from a scientific perspective. 

This approach is already beginning to scale in territories such as Tepuhueico Park in Chiloé, the Cordillera Parks network in Santiago, and properties linked to the Clean Production Agreement in Patagonia, expanding its reach in areas of high conservation value. 

The participation of Patricio Herranz from CMPC, along with landowners Catalina Reyes, Heidi Wahl, and Sandra González highlighted the value of collaboration and watershed-scale work as drivers to amplify positive impacts. María Jesús Brautigam, Executive Director at the Patagonia Foundation of Aysén, shared the experience of the Aldunate Nature Reserve as a concrete case of sustainable territorial management. 

The event also helped to strengthen ties with strategic stakeholders such as CONAF Aysén, the CIEP Research Center, the CORFO Transforma Climate Change Program, and the Aldunate Nature Reserve, consolidating a key network for the future of forests in the region. 

The panel concluded with the signing of a collective commitment to co-create a roadmap to strengthen sustainable forest management and the valuation of ecosystem services in Patagonia (Aysén). 

The challenge ahead is clear: scaling from territorial initiatives to market-based solutions that recognize the true value of ecosystems. Each hectare of native forest provides essential benefits – water regulation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and support for local economies – that are still not fully integrated into development models. 

In this scenario, FSC Chile promotes a vision in which forests are not only protected but also positioned as key natural capital to address climate, social, and economic challenges. 

Understanding the value of ecosystem services is the first step toward protecting them –and toward building the future from forests.