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Colby College

Publication Date

Spring 2008

Program Name

Chile: Economic Development and Globalization

Abstract

The purpose of my independent research project is to find out whether the written Corporate Social Responsibility environmental policies of Arauco Forests are actually enacted in the eight region (Bíobío). My hypothesis is that even though Arauco has implemented these policies, it does not have a sustainable model for its forest industry. Arauco continues to damage the land, water, and air in the Biobió region, which is in turn affecting the lives of the people that live in the region, the natural flora and fauna, and the workers. I have chosen to focus on the VIII region because it has the most forest plantations of any region and is therefore where the effects are most obvious. During the past month, I have visited multiple communities in the VIII region and spoken with many organizations including CONAMA, CONAF, INFOR, and FSC about what makes a sustainable forestry model, whether or not Arauco currently has a sustainable model, and who has the power to force the creation of better policies. I have come to the conclusion that Arauco does not have a sustainable forestry model in place in place. If it does not change its policies it will not have the resources it needs to continue future production because it will have destroyed all of its resources. Ironically, a real sustainable forestry model would ensure the company’s future.

Disciplines

Latin American Studies | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy

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