AVOIDING PLANNED DEFORESTATION AND DEGRADATION IN THE
VALDIVIAN COASTAL RESERVE PROJECT,
REGION XIV, CHILE
Project Proponent
The Nature Conservancy
Reserva Costera Valdiviana
Chaihuin, Chile
Liliana S. Pezoa, Conservation
Coordinator, email: [email protected]
+5663 2293098
Auditor
Rainforest Alliance. Klaus Geiger,
Project start date
GHG accounting
period
Project lifetime
Project validation
History of CCB Status
Edition of the CCB
Standards being used
for this verification
Brief summary of the
climate, community
and biodiversity
benefits generated by
the project
[email protected], 773-358-8427.
4 November 2003
4 November 2003 - 3 November 2023
100 years
Full validation
None - first verification conducted
concurrently with validation
December 2013
The project has established a private
conservation area under a perpetual
easement, avoiding emissions from
deforestation and degradation, conserving
native forest communities and wildlife,
and creating new livelihood opportunities
for neighboring communities
Gold Level criteria
being applied
Exceptional Biodiversity Benefits through
conservation of species with IUCN status
ranging from vulnerable to critically
endangered
Date of completion
21 September 2015, v 1.0
Expected verification
First verification for period 4 November
schedule
2003 - 3 November 2014, submitted
2015
Project Design Document following the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance Standards (Third edition)
Prepared by: Trevor Walter, Amanda Bradley and David Shoch on behalf of The Nature Conservancy
Contact: Liliana S. Pezoa, Conservation Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy, [email protected], 5663 2293098
Klaus Geiger, Rainforest Alliance, [email protected], 773-358-8427.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS ....................................................................................................................................................3
GENERAL SECTION .........................................................................................................................................4
G1. Project Goals, Design and Long-term Viability ......................................................................................................................................... 4
G2. Without-project Land Use Scenario and Additionality .....................................................................................................................21
G3. Stakeholder Engagement.................................................................................................................................................................................21
G4. Management Capacity .......................................................................................................................................................................................26
G5. Legal Status and Property Rights ................................................................................................................................................................29
COMMUNITY SECTION .................................................................................................................................34
CM1. Without-Project Community Scenario ...................................................................................................................................................34
CM2. Net Positive Community Impacts..............................................................................................................................................................40
CM3. Other Stakeholder Impacts ..........................................................................................................................................................................42
CM 4. Community Impact Monitoring ................................................................................................................................................................43
BIODIVERSITY SECTION ................................................................................................................................45
B1. Biodiversity Without–project Scenario .....................................................................................................................................................45
B2. Net Positive Biodiversity Impacts ................................................................................................................................................................57
B3. Offsite Biodiversity Impacts ............................................................................................................................................................................59
B4. Biodiversity Impact Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................................................60
GL3. Exceptional Biodiversity Benefits ..............................................................................................................................................................60
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................62
2
ACRONYMS
AFOLU
Agriculture Forestry and Other Land Use
AMERB
Areas de manejo de recursos bentonicos (benthonic resource extraction and
management areas)
APR
Agua Potable Rural
CCB
Climate Community Biodiversity
CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
CLP
Chilean Peso
CMP
Community Monitoring Plan
CMT
Chilean Army Corps of Engineers
COAFOCH
Cooperativa Agricola e Forestal Chaihuín
CONADI
Corporación Nacional de Desarollo Indigena (National Indigenous Development
Corporation)
CONAF
Corporación Nacional Forestal (Chilean Forest Service)
CONAMA
Comisión Nacional del Medio Ambiente (National Environment Commission)
CR
Critically Endangered
EN
Endangered
FPA
Fundo de Protección Ambiental (CONAMA’s Environmental Protection Fund)
FPIC
Free Prior Informed Consent
GHG
Greenhouse Gas
GIS
Geographic Information System
GMO
Genetically Modified Organism
HCV
High Conservation Value
JJVV
Junta de Vecinos
MOP
Ministry of Public Works
PD
Project Document
SNASPE
Sistema nacional areas silvestres protegidas por el estado
TNC
The Nature Conservancy
UACh
Universidad Austral Chile
UNDP-PPS
United Nations Development Programme – Small Grants Programme (Programa de
Pequenas Subsidas)
VCR
Valdivian Coastal Reserve
VCS
Verified Carbon Standard
VU
Vulnerable
WDC
Woodlands Development Company
WWF
Worldwide Fund for Nature
ZOIT
Zona de Interés Turístico (Area of Tourism Interest)
GENERAL SECTION
G1. Project Goals, Design and Long-term Viability
Project background
The Valdivian Coastal Reserve (VCR) is located approximately 40 km southwest of Valdivia in Region XIV
(formerly Region X), Chile (Figure G1.1). The VCR is situated in the Coastal Range of south-central Chile, in a
section known as the Cordillera Pelada. It is located at the northern extension of the temperate rainforest
ecoregion, and represents one of the last large fragments of Valdivian Temperate Forest. The area is of
significant ecological value, home to numerous endemic species and globally-significant ecosystems and
vegetation, such as Olivillo coastal forest (Aextoxicon punctatum) and Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), the latter
one of the world’s largest and longest-lived tree species. Significant stores of carbon are sequestered in the
VCR’s native forests, with stocking levels estimated at over 800 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per ha 1.
Figure 1: Location of the Valdivian Coastal Reserve
1
Shoch, D. 2011 Forest biomass inventory results for the Valdivian Coastal Reserve.
4
Prior to 2003, the property was owned and managed by an industrial timber company, Bosques S.A., that had
been steadily converting native forest on the property to Eucalyptus plantations and coordinating with the Ministry
of Public Works (MOP) and its agent the Chilean Army Corps of Engineers (CMT) on the construction of a coastal
highway (Carretera Costera) traversing the property. When Bosques S.A. went bankrupt in 2003 due to financial
mismanagement, the property became available for purchase, and in November 2003, The Nature Conservancy
(TNC), recognizing its significant conservation value and imminent threats, acquired the property. In February
2012, TNC donated a portion of the property, consisting of approximately 9,453 ha, to the Government of Chile, to
form part of Chile’s new Alerce Costera National Park; as a result, the VCR is currently approximately 50,830 ha
in size.
TNC’s decision to purchase the property was made after extensive analysis of conservation threats and priorities
in the region 2 and also after identification of the potential of carbon credits generated through forest conservation
activities in the region3 that could be explored as a revenue source to finance the acquisition and management of
the property. Even after purchase of the VCR, carbon revenue remains critical to help finance the establishment
of an endowment for long-term operations, and to help pay off the original acquisition costs, which were paid for
through a loan from TNC’s internal Land Purchase Fund, with no other immediate sources of finance to repay the
entirety of the loan identified as of the project start date. Generous philanthropic donations from TNC donors,
WWF and Conservation International, helped to partially offset but did not fully fund the original acquisition costs.
The acquisition of the property by TNC effectively stopped the ongoing conversion of native forest to Eucalyptus
plantations, activities authorized through permits that conveyed to the new owner, and that were expected to be
exercised by the most likely alternate buyer (i.e. another industrial timber company with management objectives
similar to Bosques S.A.). The acquisition further leveraged the position of TNC to advocate against the
construction of the coastal highway.
The two activities are combined under one project, the Avoiding Planned Deforestation and Degradation in the
Valdivian Coastal Reserve Project, which has been previously validated and verified under the Verified Carbon
Standard (VCS). The total REDD project area, subject to deforestation in the baseline, is 1,273 ha, which is a
subset of the larger VCR.
The creation and promotion of the reserve by TNC also establishes an important new tourism destination in this
region of Chile, which provides the enabling conditions for the development of tourism-related microenterprises by
neighboring communities. Thus, the principal project activity of establishment of the reserve will both protect
forests and contribute directly to community livelihoods. Community engagement is considered integral to
achieving lasting conservation benefits, and TNC will engage and support neighboring communities through a
2
2002 land tenure study (“Final Report: Promoting Private Lands Conservation Investments in the Valdivian
Coastal Range”, TNC & WWF, February 2002.)
3
Jorge Gayoso & Bastienne Schlegel, Sept 2003, ESTUDIO DE LÍNEA DE BASE DE CARBONO: CARBONO
EN BOSQUES NATIVOS, MATORRALES Y PRADERAS DE LA DÉCIMA REGIÓN DE CHILE, Universidad
Austral de Chile.
5
diverse outreach program supporting livelihoods compatible with conservation and raising conservation
awareness through education and guide training.
G1.1 Project Proponent
The project is financed and implemented by The Nature Conservancy. Roles and responsibilities of project
proponents are elaborated in Table G1.1 below.
Table G1.1. List of project proponents
Roles and Responsibility
Position/Personnel
Manage project validation, verification Sr. Business Advisor
and registration, including hiring of
contractors to assist in PD
development, validation and
verification; offset sales support and
investor relations.
General management and oversight
1) South Andes Director
for the TNC program in Chile is based 2) Science Coordinator
in Santiago. Core staff providing GIS, 3) GIS/Data Specialist
Science, Financial, Marketing, and
4) Country Representative
Government Affairs support for the
5) Associate Director of
VCR are also based in Santiago.
Development
6) Finance & Operations
Manager
Day to day management of the VCR,
1) Chile Conservation
including hiring of all staff,
Manager (based in Santiago)
implementation of strategic plan,
2) VCR Manager
outreach to surrounding communities, 3) Conservation Coordinator
tourism/education programs, park
4) 11 additional staff
security and biological and carbon
reporting to the VCR
stock monitoring.
Manager
Internal legal oversight and support;
management of outside counsel.
Senior Attorney
Contact Details
The Nature Conservancy
Forest Carbon Team
4245 North Fairfax Drive,
Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22203-1606
(703) 841-4533
The Nature Conservancy
Marchant Pereira 367, Of 801
Providencia,
Santiago, Chile
The Nature Conservancy
Reserva Costera Valdiviana
Chaihuin, Chile
The Nature Conservancy
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel via USA: (703) 841-5375
G1.2 Project Objectives
The objectives of the project are:
1. Protect forest carbon stocks over the long term.
2. Demonstrate a successful private sector funding strategy for climate change mitigation.
3. Test scientific methodologies for quantifying emissions avoided and other impacts.
4. Improve voluntary carbon market accounting standards.
5. Influence future climate change mitigation policies and laws through the development and use of rigorous
standards in the voluntary carbon market.
6. Widely share lessons learned during project development, in order to build climate change mitigation
capacity within the Chilean government and other institutions (i.e., Universidad Austral).
7. Create a reference center at a partner institution (Universidad Austral) as part of a global REDD network.
The reference center will serve both as a physical repository of information and as the host of an
6
electronic web portal for relevant documentation. The center would connect Chilean REDD+ initiatives
with those in Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico.
8. Help to sustain and improve the well-being of rural and indigenous human communities surrounding the
Reserve.
9. Involve relevant stakeholders in conservation actions undertaken including the local community, research
centers, NGOs and public services.
10. Develop activities that contribute to sustainable development both directly inside the VCR and outreach to
in adjacent local communities.
11. Protect threatened biodiversity by avoiding the planned deforestation of native rainforest.
12. Conserve biodiversity present within the Valdivian Coastal Reserve.
13. Promote the protection and sustainable use of the Reserve’s marine and coastal ecosystems
14. Implement conservation actions to connect natural sites of high ecological value adjacent to the VCR, to
ensure a wider ecologically functional landscape.
15. Achieve sustainable long-term financing for the Reserve (and its potential future expansion through
creation of a marine protected area) through carbon credit transactions. (Funds from any transaction will
be used to help establish an endowment to fund long-term operational costs, which primarily consist of
salaries for park guards and other staff, and to fund additional conservation activities within the Reserve.)
16. Generate and promote scientific, technical, biological and socio-cultural research activities to increase
knowledge of the area and continually improve the Conservation and Management Plans.
G1.3 Project Location and Overview of Physical and Social Parameters
The VCR is located approximately 40 km southwest of Valdivia in Region XIV (formerly Region X), in the Coastal
Range of south-central Chile, in a section known as the Cordillera Pelada (39°56´-40°13´S, 73°40´-73°28´W), at
the northern extension of the temperate rainforest ecoregion. The reserve spans the municipalities of Corral and
La Union.
The Valdivian coast has been subject to extensive land use change in the development of forest plantations of
exotic species, range lands and urban development. It represents one of the last large fragments of Valdivian
Temperate Forest. Many organizations and studies at both a national (Armesto et al., 1996, Smith-Ramírez
2004) and an international level (Dinerstein et al., 1995) have identified the importance of conserving these
ecosystems. This particularly high value is derived in part due to the levels of endemism within the Valdivian
ecoregion and corresponds to ancient genera that were able to survive the most recent glaciations of the
pleistocene (Veit 1994, Armesto et al. 1997, Veit y Garleff 1995, Villagran et al. 1997). The area is home to
numerous endemic species and globally-significant ecosystems and vegetation, such as Olivillo coastal forest
(Aextoxicon punctatum) and Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), the latter one of the world’s largest and longest-lived
tree species.
Climate
7
The altitude of the Coastal Mountain Range in this area leads to microclimatic differences depending on
exposure. In general, the climate can be classified as a temperate humid climate with Mediterranean influence
(Fuenzalida 1965, Huber 1975, Ardiles 1977, Vásquez 1994). Average annual precipitation is estimated at 4,000
mm (Almeyda and Sáez 1958, Cortes 1990), which fluctuates from 2,100 mm at lower altitudes up to 5,400 mm
annually at the highest altitudes (Gutiérrez, 1984).
Most precipitation falls during the winter period. In the area, a positive relationship has been observed between
increasing altitude and amount of rainfall. Orographic lift occurs when an air mass is forced from a low elevation
to a higher elevation as it moves over rising terrain. As the air mass gains altitude it expands and cools
adiabatically. The geomorphological barriers prevent air from advancing; it cools and condenses, increasing
precipitation. This effect is common along the western side of the Coastal Mountain Range, creating an approach
effect (Daubenmire 1974, Donoso 1981, Cortes 1990).
Snow is another important aspect at altitudes above 700m during the winter (Donoso 1981), where it can reach
up to 80 cm and, in rare cases, exceed 100 cm (Cortes 1990).
The average annual temperature is estimated to be 11.3ºC, with a maximum of 19.2°C recorded in the warmer
months and a minimum of 8.1ºC in July (Cortes 1990, Vásquez 1994).
Humidity is estimated to be 80% in the spring (Almeyda and Saéz 1958, Cortes 1990).
Geomorphology and geology
The VCR is located in an area of the Coastal Mountain Range described by Fuenzalida (1965) as the “Cordillera
Pelada” (bare mountain range). From a geomorphological point of view, Börgel (1983) classifies this area on a
national level as “Región Central Lacustre” (Central lakes region) and “Llano Glaciovolcanico” (glacial volcanic
plain). Since the coastal range was not affected by glaciogenic events (Brüggen 1950), the current
geomorphology of the landscape was formed by erosive, climatic and river effects (Brüggen 1950, Illies 1970).
The Cordillera Pelada is thus characterized by a range of low mountains, in some areas exceeding 1000 meters
above sea level (e.g. Cerro Mirador at 1084 m.a.s.l., and Cerro Azul at 1029 m.a.s.l.) (IGM 1775).
Physiognomically, the range has been classified as a long chain of plains and rolling hills criss-crossed by
numerous streams (Illies 1970), many of which originate on the western slopes and other larger ones in the
Andes Mountain Range. In general, the VCR and surrounding areas are characterized by scant valleys alongside
waterways (Peralta 1975) creating a moderately rolling landscape with numerous gorges (Di base and Lillo 1972,
Cortes 1990).
The Coastal Mountain Range’s main geological material is crystalline bedrock comprising metamorphic rocks
formed by recrystallization, deformation, intrusion and overlays (Illies 1970). Chronologically, these rocks are
Chile’s oldest described rocks and have been dated to the Precambrian geological period of the Paleozoic Era
(Bruges 1950, Illies 1970, Veit 1994). The substrate is composed of mica schist, slate, clay, chlorite and quartz8
rich micas in different degrees of metamorphism (Illies 1970, Iren-CORFO-Uach 1978, Peralta et al. 1982, Kuhne
et al. 1985). Towards the western slopes of the mountain range, there are soils derived from marine sedimentary
processes, especially sandstone and oxidized shale created from intrusion of marine material (Kuhne et al 1985,
Donoso et al. 1987).
Soil
Overall in the Coastal Mountain Range and especially in the Cordillera Pelada, soil has been formed in situ. In the
higher areas, the soil layer is very shallow, reaching a maximum depth of 25 cm with strong indications of erosion
and excessive surface drainage, to such an extent that in some areas fluvial gullies are generated (Peralta 1975,
Donoso et al. 1987). In general, top soil can be found in layers up to 10 cm thick and comprising quartz and
pebbles from recent erosion (Peralta et al., 1982).
The fallen leaves are composed of highly resinous organic material with antiseptic characteristics that slow their
decomposition. Consequently, the debris remains for a long time and tends to become acidic. The strong runoff,
however, contributes to the removal of humus and ferrous compounds (Peralta 1975).
The soil located in the middle and lower slopes of the VCR is thin to moderately deep (Cortes 1990). Drainage
generally dictates the depth of the organic materials, which varies between 2 and 10 cm. In the first 10 cm the soil
contains a mixture of roots, sand and quartz. The root system reaches its highest density at 30 cm, although it
can reach depths of 50 cm (Cortes 1990).
Structurally, the soil is fragile, malleable and only slightly adhesive. Its hygromorphic nature is dark brown-yellow
and, in areas of poor drainage, dark grayish-green. Within the VCR, there is a soil transition area. At the lowest
point of the Pelada area it overlaps with the Hueicolla area at an altitude of between 450 and 750 meters a.s.l. on
the western slopes (Iren-Corfo-Uach 1978). Here the soil thickness varies due to rocky outcrops and it has a fine
to semi-fine texture. The dark yellow color is caused by a dense evergreen species of vegetation which generates
a dark and humid microenvironment. Along with high rainfall and low temperatures this keeps the iron in the soil
wet and gives the ground its characteristic color (IREN-CORFO-Uach 1974, Peralta 1975).
Hydrology
The VCR contains a significant water supply. In the reserve there are numerous watercourses, eight of which are
of great importance due to their length or the extent of their river basins, and two coastal freshwater lagoons
(Steffen 2005). The most important rivers are Chaihuín, Colún, Pichicolún, Hueicolla, Pichuhueicolla,
Carimahuida, Patos and Bueno. The Bueno River has the largest volume of water at its mouth. The other
waterways start and end within the limits of the Reserve. However, the widest watershed is the one formed by the
Chaihuín and Colún Rivers.
Types and condition of vegetation
The VCR encompasses a range of forest types (Figure G1.2).
9
Figure 2 Forest Type Within the Valdivian Coastal Reserve
10
The evergreen “siempreverde” forest is composed of subtypes including Coastal Olivillo forest (Aextoxicon
punctatum), Canelo (Drimys winteri) and Notro (Embothrium coccineum) forest , Chiloe Coigüe (Nothofagus
nítida) forest, and Tepa (Laureliopsis philippiana) and Tineo (Weinmannia trichosperma) forest.
Within the region, forests have been historically subject to a range of pressures. During the time when the Altos
Hornos steel mills in Corral were operating at their peak (1913-1944), overharvesting took place to supply these
operations. Later, a series of owners, including the previous owner of the reserve, logged the native forest and
replaced it with pine and eucalyptus plantations.
Social Parameters
The VCR is located in an area of low rural population density with a population of approximately 1,970 persons
(250 families) excluding the city of Corral. Some of the population are indigenous Mapuche and Huilliche people.
Some twelve rural communities have been identified with which the VCR has either a direct or indirect
relationship.4 The VCR focuses its outreach initiatives and rural development projects with five communities that
are closer and more marginalized, and that are either living near the VCR or whose members regularly travel to
the area and are in some way dependent upon the VCR for income, livelihood or cultural values. These five
communities are:
1. Huape (pop. 2005)
2. Chaihuín (pop. 271)
3. Huiro (pop. 91)
4. Cadillal Bajo (pop.26)
5. Cadillal Alto (pop. 28)
The villagers of Huape, Chaihuín, Huiro, Cadillal Baho, and Cadillal Alto have traditionally made their livings from
a combination of fishing, livestock raising, and small scale agriculture. A significant portion of the population
struggled to meet their livelihood needs when the project started. The VCR project will expand livelihood
strategies including tourism-related enterprises and concessions and forestry collectives. The VCR project will
also support the improved productivity and sustainability of the existing livelihood activities by facilitating clearer
user rights and building the institutional capacity of local institutions such as fishers unions.
G1.4 Boundaries of the Project Area and Project Zone
The Project Area of 1,273 ha is located within the larger VCR property, in Region XIV, Chile, south of the city of
Valdivia. The project area was delineated, consulting engineering plans and permits, to align with areas
San Carlos-Amargo, Palo Muerto, Los Liles, Huape, Chaihuín, Cadillal Bajo, Cadillal Alto, Huiro, Punta Galera, Colun Bajo,
Hueicolla, and La Barra de Rio Bueno.
5 Godoy, Gallardo. Informe Diagnostico Social Localidades Costeras Provincia de Valdivia, Comunas de Corral y La Union,
WWF Chile, 2003.
11
designated for construction of the coastal highway and for “substitution” of native forest with plantations (detailed
and justified in the VCS PD).
The Project Zone is the VCR (50,830 ha) and the neighboring communities of Huape, Chaihuín, Huiro, Cadillal
Baho, and Cadillal Alto, with which the project is engaged (Figure G1.1).
G1.5 Stakeholder Identification
Prior to the purchase of the VCR, several studies were conducted to identify the Community Groups and to
diagnose their situation and the principal activities in the sector around the VCR, and to evaluate the impact of
projects like the Coastal Highway (Godoy 2003a, 2003b). These anthropological studies were funded by WWF,
and were participatory, allowing community members to identify the issues that they perceived as important in
their region. As a result of these studies, the five Community Groups described in the next section (G1.6) were
selected based on their proximity to the VCR as well as their relative dependence on the natural resources in the
area.
It should be noted that these five communities do not all meet the definition of a “group of people who live within
or adjacent to the project area or groups that regularly visit the area for income, livelihood or cultural values.”
While these villages are close or adjacent to the reserve, the actual carbon Project Area is quite remote and the
communities have no direct reliance on these particular areas. The Project Areas generate carbon credits that will
help finance community outreach activities, and TNC has decided that in the interest of a holistic approach to
conservation and human well-being, to treat these five communities as integral stakeholders and project
beneficiaries and to recognize them as Community Groups according to CCB guidelines. Prior to TNC acquiring
the VCR, access to the area was restricted by the previous private industrial owner, Bosques S.A., and
communities realized no benefits from the project area or larger VCR.
Other Stakeholders, also described below, were first identified through existing relationships. These first groups
subsequently recommended and introduced other relevant stakeholders who were also included in dialogues and
consultations.
G1.6 List of Communities, Community Groups and Other Stakeholders
Table G1.6. Community Groups and Other Stakeholders
Location
Organization/ Community Groups
Huape
Agrupación Turística, Cultural y Productiva Lafken
Mapu
10
Chaihuín
Junta de Vecinos Vista Hermosa
42
Sindicato de Pescadores de Chaihuín
39
12
No. of Members
Comunidad Indígena Lafken Kuyen Mapu
20
Comunidad Indígena Antillanca
70
Sociación Indígena Antillanca
26
Sindicato de Pescadores de Huiro
26
Agrupación de Artesanas Kutralwe
12
Cadillal Alto
Comité de Adelanto Cad. Alto
20
Cadillal Bajo
Comité Adelanto Cad. Bajo
14
Huiro
Other Stakeholders
Stakeholder
Municipio de Corral
Prodesal Corral
Comité de protección
de flora y fauna de
Corral
Tourists
WWF
Role
Mutual support and ongoing development activities of mutual interest and
benefit to the community coordination.
Part of the management team of the Fund for Communities in protected
areas in Los Rios region.
Contribution and coordination with livestock project implemented in the
community of Huiro.
Contribution to the preparation and certification of guards and fisheries
inspectors and control of illegal activities related to the flora and fauna.
Tourists benefit from recreational opportunities in the reserve, while also
posing potential risks such as waste generation, overcrowding, and
negative impacts on local culture. At the same time, tourists enhance local
livelihoods by supporting tourism-related microenterprises and
concessions.
Contributions and financial support in the early stage of the VCR Project
Provision of technical support in developing the program first implemented
the VCR.
Joint agreement with UNDP-PPS, WWF and TNC; Financing and support
for community projects in the buffer zone of the VCR.
Technical team implementer for neighboring communities in the protected
area.
UNDP-PPS
CM
Universidad Austral
de Chile (UACH)
Joint agreement with UNDP-PPS, WWF and TNC; Financing and support
for community projects in the buffer zone of the VCR.
Provides professional services and advice, including the development of
the management plan for the VCR
Mutual support and collaboration in research studies and development
projects within the VCR and the surrounding area.
Research agreements on issues related to watersheds in the north of the
VCR (FORECOS)
Supports studies, practicals and thesis students at UACH to work inside the
VCR and its areas of influence.
Wildlife Rescue Center, recovery and release of wildlife.
13
Comisión Regional
de Uso de Borde
Costero (CRUBC)
MMA PROY. GEF
SIRAP
TNC has been involved in this commission, which is an example of joint
regional planning.
Contributes financially towards the execution of training and tours for
rangers and community leaders and implementation and development of
areas for public visitation in the VCR
Financing for implementation of the pilot management of cattle in the village
of Huiro.
It is part of the management team of the Fund for Communities in protected
areas in the Los Rios region.
CONADI
Recipient of donations to the Treasury by TNC, such as a portion of land for
the creation of Alerce National Park and water rights and land for the
implementation and drinking water supply for the Town of Chaihuín.
Agreement of mutual cooperation in the protection, surveillance and
contributions to local development of protected areas of the Alerce National
Park and VCR and sectors of influence.
Implementing institution with neighboring communities in protected areas of
the Los Rios region.
Develop training in the town of Chaihuín aimed at small local entrepreneurs
in tourism, administrative and accounting management.
Recipient of donations for the Comunidad Indígena Antillanca.
INDAP
Commitment to contribute in the implementation of the pilot management of
cattle in Huiro.
BIENES
NACIONALES
CONAF
SENCE
FPA – CONAMA
Funded household waste project presented by the JJVV of Chaihuín and
implemented in the towns of Huape, Chaihuín and Huiro.
G1.7 Map of the Project Area
The project area of 1,273 ha is located within the larger VCR property, detailed in Figure G1.3 below (rationale
and justification provided in the VCS PD). Map of the Project Zone and Communities is provided in Figure G1.1.
14
Figure 3 Project area within the VCR, comprising two areas subject to different drivers of deforestation in
the baseline
G1.8 Project Activities, Outputs, Outcomes and Impacts
The project’s causal model is based on a set of objectives aimed to achieve the VCR’s goals with respect to
climate, community and biodiversity benefits (See Section G1.2). A set of activities have been designed and
implemented to support the achievement of these objectives in order to determine the net benefit against the
project’s baseline scenario. The outputs, outcomes and impacts of these activities are regularly monitored and
reported on by the project staff. The costs and risks associated with project activities are also tracked. This
section focuses on the causal model for community and biodiversity benefits while the climate benefits are
covered in the VCS Project Document.
15
Community Benefits
In order to involve local stakeholders and aid in the sustainable development of the area around the VCR, early
on TNC identified the need for a social program to connect with local communities and provide for the
development of a positive relationship with its neighbors. An initial program formed under the direction and
support of WWF staff in 2000 which had been articulating the social connection with conservation in the
communities of the region since before the purchase of the VCR. The program was based on the need to
coordinate with communities for the success of conservation and to help direct rural development in sustainable
ways that would reduce anthropogenic pressure on the environment and improve the quality of life of the people
living within it.
With regards to community benefits, the VCR’s main goal to contribute to the sustainable development of
communities in the local area is elaborated through a set of seven specific objectives that relate to water and
sanitation/health, education, resource tenure and control, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and
public relations. The seven objectives have been defined as follows:
1. All households in two villages (Chaihuín and Huiro) will have year-round access to safe drinking
water.
2. Waste is managed appropriately to avoid contamination (soil, water) and attract tourists
3. The communities will have a better understanding of environmental and natural resource
conservation
4. Community members will have more control over their resources
5. Community members will have increased supplementary incomes
6. Women in the communities have more financial independence and contribute to family income
7. Community members are generally satisfied with community outreach activities of the VCR
The next section explains how the project activities will contribute to achieve these objectives which in turn
support the project’s overall goal of sustainable development with positive impacts on local communities (See
G1.2).
Access to Potable Water
TNC established an objective to provide year-round access to safe drinking water for all families in Chaihuín and
Huiro where water supplies were not yet reliable and at risk of drying up. Without consistent access to potable
water, communities are vulnerable to a host of water-borne diseases such as amoebic dysentery, typhoid fever,
and hepatitis. Health problems can in turn lead to medical costs and indebtedness.
TNC will work in partnership with Agua Potable Rural (APR) to prioritize extension of services to these two
villages. Once all households have access to potable water, regular monitoring will continue to ensure early
16
detection of any contamination. Expanded access of potable water to families in the two villages is the expected
output for this activity, while improved health among community members is an expected impact.
Solid Waste Management
Communities in the project area had no regular solid waste management system prior to the project start.
Normally they would burn or bury their garbage with the risk of contamination of the air and water by toxins.
Anticipating increased numbers of visitors to the area, the need to responsibly manage solid waste will become
more important. In order to address this issue, TNC began will work with the Municipality of Corral to organize
regular waste collection days. Waste will be properly disposed of in a landfill where the risk of contamination to
water supplies is diminished/eliminated 6. At the same time, TNC aims to reduce the volume of waste generated
by tourists through education and signage at the site. Increased or adequate solid waste collection days is the
output for this activity, while the longer term impact relates to protecting environmental integrity (water and air)
and a prosperous tourism business.
Environmental Education
The VCR environmental education program aims to educate both the local community as well as visitors to the
Reserve. Local students will be invited to participate in environment education courses. By educating the younger
generation about the importance of conservation and sustainable development, TNC aims to make a lasting
impact on how natural resources are managed in the area. These courses will be held in local schools and
students will learn about a range of topics including the importance of native forest, biodiversity, and ecology.
The education program will also serves tourists. Through local guides as well as signage and other interpretive
materials, visitors will learn about the conditions and characteristics of the site, the rich biodiversity of the area,
and the measures being taken to conserve these resources. The program also aims to provide experiences and
knowledge about the conservation value of species and ecosystems in the area. The goal is for visitors to develop
a greater sensitivity, appreciation and understanding of resources and the value of the area, and to encourage
visitors and local people to have a smaller environmental impact in the Reserve. TNC monitors this activity by
collecting information on the number of students trained (output) while the longer term impact will be to create a
stronger constituency for environmental conservation. Prior to the project start, there was no opportunity for
organized environmental education.
Resource Tenure and Control
The purchase of the Reserve by TNC in 2003 signified a transfer of the property to a new landowner (from
Bosques S.A.), however, whereas Bosques S.A, a private entity, excluded local communities from the area, TNC
recognizes the potential to work in partnership with local communities to conserve the area’s natural resources.
By devolving some tenure rights and control over certain areas in the reserve to local communities, local
6
See http://www.directorioresiduos.cl/DR/?page_id=787 for more information on waste and sanitation services.
17
communities will become invested in stewardship of the resources for both their own benefit and the benefit of
conservation. A number of activities shall be implemented in this vein including the allocation and maintenance of
grazing lands, the allocation of camping concessions, the establishment of forest cooperatives, and the
guaranteed access for the local communities to non-timber forest products within the reserve. These activities
support more sustainable use of the area’s natural resources by establishing codes of conduct while providing
incentives to benefit local communities over the long term. The output for this activity is the number of hectares
under community control, management or access, and the longer term impact refers to sustainable resource use.
Sustainable Livelihoods
When TNC started the project in 2003, local people struggled to make a living. Based on studies and
consultations with the communities, TNC put a plan in place to support alternative livelihoods based on
sustainable incomes. This plan includes training and support for microenterprises linked to ecotourism within the
reserve. The Reserve’s scenic beauty, diversity of landscapes and link with local communities all provide
excellent potential for the development of ecotourism. Microenterprises linked to traditional handicrafts, local
food, and other tourism services will provide supplemental income to local communities.
In addition, TNC will hire local people to work for the project whenever possible. This strategy provides valuable
professional skills to community members while enhancing general communication with communities.
Lastly, TNC will support the training of local guides to accompany tourists in the VCR. Guides bring their own
valuable local knowledge but will also receive extensive training in a range of subjects including sustainable
tourism, biodiversity, and ecology. The guides will gain valuable experience in the tourism industry while making
additional income to support their families.
The output for this activity is the number of families benefiting from microenterprises or employment opportunities;
however the longer term expected impact is more prosperous and resilient livelihoods for local people.
Women’s Empowerment
TNC will promote local women in the communities through support for women-owned businesses such as
traditional handicrafts and restaurants. Women will receive training and coaching to launch and operate small
enterprises. Through operating these businesses, women will gain more confidence as well as supplemental
income for their families. The output for this activity is the number of women involved and benefitting from these
small businesses, while the impact is a gender-balanced development in the community. Prior to the project start
date there were no women-owned businesses in the area.
Public Relations
Public relations with the local communities and other stakeholders are extremely important to TNC. TNC
promotes the participation of the local communities in the conservation of the VCR and will seek their input and
18
feedback regularly on project activities. Both formal and informal meetings will be held frequently, and TNC will
maintain an ‘open door’ policy to encourage regular contact and swift handling of any complaints or grievances.
The mission, objectives and action plans will be conveyed in the community meetings and also reinforced through
news bulletins and through contact with various community associations. The output for this activity is the number
of meetings held; however, the expected impact relates to long term collaborative relationships and a project
which addresses the needs of local communities.
Biodiversity Benefits
Among the principal objectives of the VCR project (G1.2) is to “Protect threatened biodiversity by avoiding the
planned deforestation of native rainforest.” The primary activities to achieving this objective are land acquisition
and establishment of protected status, and implementation of routine patrols by VCR park guards to identify and
respond to threats (e.g. illegal logging and forest fire). Outputs of these activities include securing land title,
securing Chile Nature Sanctuary designation, securing a Civil Code easement-type restriction (servidumbre; see
G1.11), and number of park guard patrols carried out and number of kilometers covered seasonally (see SilvaRodríguez et al 2015). The direct outcome of the forest protection activities is retention of native forest cover and
constituent forest communities, including the HCV designated coastal Olivillo forest. Forest cover outcomes
monitored are those directly attributable to the project activity (i.e. under immediate threat and in the REDD
project area). Anticipated impacts of forest protection include conserved native tree diversity and conserved
populations of native mammals and amphibians (and other biota) associated with native forest. Indicators derived
from the above inferred causal relationships (further elaborated in Section B1.3) are detailed in the accompanying
Biodiversity Monitoring Plan.
G1.9 Project Start Date, Lifetime and GHG Accounting Period
The project start date is 4 November 2003, the date when The Nature Conservancy acquired the Valdivian
Coastal Reserve property, which encompasses the project area. The rationale and justification for the project start
date is further detailed in the VCS PD.
The project has a GHG accounting period (i.e. VCS crediting period) of 20 years. The start date of the crediting
period is 4 November 2003 and the end date of the crediting period is 3 November 2023. The project lifetime is,
minimally, 100 years, due to a legally-binding conservation easement in place restricting use for at least a 100
year period. Climate, biodiversity and community benefits will be monitored for a period of at least 20 years.
Project implementation schedule is detailed in Table G1.9 below.
Table G1.9. Project implementation schedule
Project activity
Date
Project start date and start of the
4 November 2003
crediting period
19
Source/Notes
Date of acquisition of the VCR
property by TNC
VCR forest inventory
VCS validation and first
verification of the project
VCS registration of the project
2011
2013
Conservation easement put in
place
CCBA validation and first
verification and VCS reverification
14 May 2014
End date of project crediting
period
3 November 2023
Verification interval 2003-2011
2013
2015
CCBA verification interval 20032014
VCS verification interval 20122014
G1.10 Project Risk Assessment
Project risks are assessed in detail in the VCS PD Annex 13 Non-permanence Risk Report for Avoiding Planned
Deforestation in the Valdivian Coastal Reserve, Chile, and updated in 2014 as part of the VCS monitoring and
verification process. Risks assessed applying the VCS AFOLU Non-permanence Risk Tool relate to risks of
reversals of climate benefits but equally to community and biodiversity benefits as the success of the carbon
project is integral to financing ongoing community engagements and management and protection activities in the
reserve. Further, the risk of un-prevented deforestation that is assessed using the VCS AFOLU Non-permanence
Risk Tool in the context of a REDD project, has direct implications to community and biodiversity benefits in terms
of hydrological functioning and habitat. In short, community and biodiversity benefits are subject to the same risks
as the carbon project. Community support for the conservation of the VCR is of paramount importance to TNC.
The risk that this support could be lost is addressed through continuing regular consultations and communication
with community members.
Identification and prevention of risks is further treated in Silva-Rodríguez et al 20147 and Silva-Rodríguez et al
2015 8.
G1.11 Measures to enhance benefits beyond the project lifetime
As explained above, the project GHG accounting period is 20 years, however TNC will aim to secure a legally
binding conservation easement for the reserve and project area to restrict use for at least a 100-year period. The
easement will constitute a lien on the property’s title that prohibits activities in conflict with conservation of the
reserve. This instrument is similar to appurtenant conservation easements in the United States. The easement
runs with the land and is enforceable upon future owners, by the adjacent ‘dominant estate’ owner, as required
7
Silva-Rodríguez, E. Sepúlveda, M., Duarte, C., Stowhas, P., García-Vera, C., Cruz, E., G. Travieso, F.
Zorondo-Rodríguez, A. Alfonso, M. Godoy & A. Andrade. 2014. Plan de Conservación de Área
Reserva Costera Valdiviana 2015-2020. The Nature Conservancy and Universidad Andres Bello.
8
Silva-Rodríguez, E., M. Sepúlveda, C. Duarte, P. Stowhas, C. García-Vera, E- Cruz, G. Travieso, F. ZorondoRodríguez, A. Alfonso, M. Godoy, A. Andrade, L. Osman, L. Pezoa, S. Zamorano, P. Poveda & A. Almonacid.
2015. Plan de Manejo Reserva Costera Valdiviana 2015-2020. The Nature Conservancy, Valdivia, Chile.
20
with appurtenant easements, which provides the dominant estate owner the right to enforce the easement. As
such, it is a long-term protection mechanism, which protects the land and carbon stocks, no matter who owns it.
Detail on the easement, which is held in perpetuity, is provided in the VCS PD Appendix 1.
TNC will seek the support of a philanthropic donor to cancel project debt and establish an endowment fund for the
project that provides for long-term financing of community engagement and management and protection activities
in the reserve.
TNC has also employed a range of supporting mechanisms to ensure conservation tenure and continued project
benefits in the long-term, detailed in Appendix 1 of the Non-permanence Risk Report for Avoiding Planned
Deforestation in the Valdivian Coastal Reserve, Chile (Annex 13 to the VCS PD).
The measures discussed above serve to ensure climate, community and biodiversity benefits related to
maintenance and protection of native forest cover for at least 100 years.
G1.12 Adequate flow of funds
A detailed analysis of financial viability has been conducted and is detailed in the VCS PD Annex 13 Nonpermanence Risk Report for Avoiding Planned Deforestation in the Valdivian Coastal Reserve, Chile. Project
cash flows, which include management/operation costs for all activities (including community engagement and
reserve management and protection), are projected to be above the breakeven point from 2014 to 2023,
documented in VCS PD Annex 14 “risk analysis VCR.xlsx”.
G2. Without-project Land Use Scenario and Additionality
G2.1 Most likely land-use scenario in the absence of the project
The land-use scenario in the without project scenario is detailed and justified in the VCS PD Section 3.1 Baseline
Emissions and in Section 2.5 Additionality.
G2.2 Additionality
Demonstration of additionality is detailed and justified in the VCS PD Section 2.5 Additionality, applying the “Tool
for the Demonstration and Assessment of Additionality in VCS Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
Project Activities”, ver.3.
G3. Stakeholder Engagement
Access to information
21
Primarily, the VCR communicates with neighboring communities through public meetings organized with
community leaders. On other occasions related to issues of lesser importance or a specific subject needing
clarification, the VCR will place notices in public gathering places. The VCR also maintains an open door policy
clearly inviting community members or organizations to meet with the administration should an issue arise or
some type of support or information be requested.
TNC has produced a Project Summary in Spanish which will be disseminated door to door throughout the five
communities of Chaihuín, Huiro, Huape, Cadillal Alto and Cadillal Bajo and to a range of other stakeholders as
well. The Project Summary includes information on how to access the full project documentation that is posted
online after completion or available in hard copy through the TNC Chaihuín or Valdivia office. The Project
Summary also explains the process of validation and verification so that communities know what to expect during
these key project events. They are informed that that they may speak directly with project auditors to
independently express their views on the project. In addition, the Project Summary explains the Project’s
Grievance and Redress Procedures.
While the costs and risks to the communities of participation and partnership with the VCR project are negligible,
TNC communicates honestly and openly about project implementation and clarifies what communities may expect
in terms of results. Formal and informal gatherings are regularly organized. One of the key potential risks for the
project is in its ability to secure sustainable financing either through the sale of carbon credits or other means.
TNC staff have avoided raising expectations related to project finances that affect community engagement while
at the same time reassuring community members that TNC’s commitment to conserve the area and cooperate
with local communities is long term.
Consultation
In order to involve local stakeholders and aid in the sustainable development of the area around the Reserve,
early on the need was recognized for a social program to connect with local communities and provide for the
development of a positive relationship with its neighbors. In 2000, an initial program formed under the direction
and support of WWF who had been articulating the social connection with conservation in the communities of the
region since before the purchase of the Reserve. The program was based on the need to coordinate with
communities for the success of conservation and to help direct rural development in sustainable ways that would
reduce anthropic pressure on the environment and to improve the quality of life of the people living within it.
Prior to the acquisition of the Reserve, Margo Burnham (TNC), David Tecklin (WWF), and Francisco (“Pancho”)
Solis (with Coalition for Coastal Range Conservation at the project start date, and now employed with TNC)
briefed key stakeholders in the communities about the potential acquisition, listened to their concerns, and
shaped the project design to address various interests and perspectives. In particular, these exchanges
influenced the inclusion in the project design of activities related to community benefits such as improved access
to water, grazing areas for livestock, and involvement in ecotourism.
22
TNC committed to hold regular meetings on an ongoing basis with community groups in order to share
information and listen to concerns or interests in the development of the Reserve. TNC identified community
associations (See below) and developed relationships with the members and representatives of these groups in
order to consult and exchange information and views more efficiently.
In the same way, TNC is an active participant in government initiatives in the area and interacts regularly with
Other Stakeholders. These stakeholders, many of whom work in very close partnership with TNC, have had the
opportunity at meetings to make suggestions and comments which have influenced the project design.
Participation in decision-making and implementation
TNC collaborates with a number of community associations which provide an important structure to facilitate
communication between members and VCR project staff and participation in decision-making. A list of these
groups is provided in the table below. Each association has a leader who can speak on behalf of the association
and its members and provide input to decision-making related to the project. Members may participate directly in
VCR project meetings or they may rely on the association leaders to communicate and represent their interests.
Table. G3. Community Associations
Community
Organization
No. of Members
Huape
Agrupación Turística, Cultural y Productiva
Lafken Mapu
10
Chaihuín
Junta de Vecinos Vista Hermosa
42
Sindicato de Pescadores de Chaihuín
39
Comunidad Indígena Lafken Kuyen Mapu
20
Comunidad Indígena Antillanca
70
Sociación Indígena Antillanca
26
Sindicato de Pescadores de Huiro
26
Agrupación de Artesanas Kutralwe
12
Cadillal
Alto
Comité de Adelanto Cad. Alto
20
Cadillal
Bajo
Comité Adelanto Cad. Bajo
14
Huiro
In addition to encouraging communication and participation in decision making through community associations,
TNC also organizes meetings to which all community members are invited. These meetings have tended to be
organized on an adhoc basis to allow for flexibility of all parties. Women are encouraged to attend and share their
views in these meetings. The open door policy remains in place to provide a means to express concerns and
make suggestions on an individual basis.
23
Anti-Discrimination
As a registered US-based 501C3 organization, TNC has adopted an anti-discrimination policy since 1996 that
also applies to its staff and activities in Chile. This policy is part of TNC’s organizational culture that permeates its
activities in Chile. Management staff ensure that the policy is upheld at all levels within the organization.
According to this policy 9:
The Conservancy does not condone or permit discrimination — including actions that create a hostile
work environment — against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or other
protected status.
It is the Conservancy's policy to encourage and support a work environment that respects differences and
provides all employees with self respect, dignity and fairness.
The Conservancy actively promotes diversity in its workforce. Diversity refers to human differences,
including those based on culture, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual
orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.
Feedback and Grievance Redress Procedure
The VCR has clearly articulated a Protocol to describe the project’s feedback and grievance redress procedures,
which has also been disseminated in the Project Summary. In accordance with TNC’s ‘open door’ policy, this
Protocol consists in accepting whatever grievance is presented, whether verbal or written, and responding to it in
one of two ways depending on the necessity. In cases of minor complaints the VCR will either address
community concerns through written clarification, or in a letter specifically addressed to the person affected. This
response is generated within 30 days of receipt of a request or grievance, and a register is kept of all such
communications. Larger issues warrant meetings to attempt to defuse the problematic issue through a solution
based on mutual consensus. As needed, the VCR seeks a third party mediator for these meetings, where this
third party represents a neutral body that is knowledgeable in the area of the dispute. Often a mediator can be
found in government institutions responsible for the management of specific services. The VCR is committed to
following this procedure and achieving consensus with the community in regard to its activities and in doing so
optimize the benefits that can be produced for them.
47
Worker Relations
The VCR´s policy is to promote sustainable community development and to consistently improve the quality of
conservation. The VCR is committed to involving the community in its program of work, and to contributing toward
sustainable local development, and there is a preference for hiring local people. Candidates from the local
9
Available at http://www.nature.org/about-us/careers/eeoaffirmative-action.xml
24
community who meet a position’s requirements are given preference in hiring decisions. It is important to note that
there is a lack of people with advanced technical or professional studies in the local area and often this type of
service has to be contracted from outside the communities.
All TNC VCR personnel receive introductory training when they are hired, including content related to professional
ethics and conduct as part of the institutional culture. As part of this program, new employees are informed about
their legal rights, anti-discrimination laws and policies and methods of resolving problems and formalizing
complaints within the organization.
With regards to adherence to host country laws regarding workers’ rights, the project proponent, to the best of its
knowledge, complies with all relevant national laws, including labor laws. The following summary is based on the
project proponent’s review of applicable local, state and national laws and was conducted with the advice and
assistance of outside counsel at the Chilean law firm, “Carey y Cia”.
The project proponent is a non-profit organization validly incorporated according to the laws of the Columbia
District, United States of America, and has been authorized to develop activities in Chile by the Ministry of Justice
through Executive Decree No. 647/2003, which has been modified by Executive Decree No. 2734/2006 and
Executive Decree No. 1139/2009.
The project proponent complies with the decrees already mentioned and with the following general Chilean laws:
(i) Title XXXIII, First Book of the Chilean Civil Code, (ii) Law No. 20,500 on Non Profit Entities and Public
Participation in Public Administration, (iii) the Labor Code, (iv) Law Decree No. 824/1974, on Income Tax.
The project proponent also complies with the following labor laws: (v) Law No. 16,744 on Labor Safety and
Professional Illnesses, (vi) Law No. 19,728 on Unemployment Insurance, (vii) Law No. 20,123, Subcontracting
Law, (viii) Law Decree No. 3,500 on Labor and Social Security Obligations, and Law No. 19,759 of 2001 that
modifies the Labor Code to prohibit discriminatory practices in the hiring of employees.
Regarding environmental laws and regulations, the project is in full compliance with Law No. 19,300
Environmental Framework Law, Forest Law contained in Executive Decree No. 4363/1931, the Forestry
Development Act contained in Law Decree No. 701/1974 and the Convention on Biological Diversity, which is a
law of the Republic of Chile, as promulgated by Executive Decree No. 1969/1994.
Work within the VCR includes low-level risks typically associated with activities conducted in sites with little
infrastructure and irregular conditions. The level of risk varies depending on the type of employment in the VCR
and the associated activities, although none of the work requires undue exposure to risks. Work in the VCR does
not require the operation of heavy machinery or vehicles larger than the rangers’ pickup trucks. The VCR has a
formal contingency plan in case of accidents, and park rangers are trained in carrying out these procedures,
minimizing risks, and providing first aid.
25
In the VCR, safety programs are in place to minimize risks. The VCR’s operating procedures are designed with
safety as a primary concern. Any type of activity that could present a risk is accompanied by the appropriate
equipment and training. In particular, rangers have been trained in the use of motorcycles and small boats for
making rounds within the VCR, providing security equipment and identifying risks pertinent to the VCR, such as
the poor state of parts of the road network. Transportation within the VCR is planned with precaution; for example
when traveling south, the road to Hueicolla fords the river of the same name, but the river is only crossed when
safe conditions can be confirmed, especially with regard to tides.
G4. Management Capacity
G4.1 Governance structure and roles and responsibilities
Project governance is not considered separate from the management structure of the VCR, and follows the
organogram for the VCR below.
Figure 4 Organogram for the VCR
The Project Proponent and governing body is TNC. TNC has its headquarters in Virginia, USA, a regional office
in Santiago Chile, and project offices in Valdivia and Chaihuín. Staff in these three offices work together to
support the project. The Business Advisor for the project is based in the US, advising on project development
and responsible for contracting of auditors and for credit sales. Project staff based in the reserve and in Valdivia
carry out a range of implementation activities including community outreach and livelihood development,
26
biodiversity monitoring, and administration. These staff report to the VCR Director based in Valdivia. Additional
technical support is provided by staff in the regional office in Santiago.
Roles and responsibilities of the project proponents are detailed in Table G1.1 in Section G1.1 above. Roles and
responsibilities for monitoring are detailed in the Community Monitoring and Biodiversity Monitoring Plans.
TNC has also involved several other entities in the project design and implementation, including consultants
based at the Universidad de Austral Chile, TerraCarbon LLC, SERVAL Ltda., and Universidad Andrés Bello. The
table below describes the roles and responsibilities of each entity.
Entity
Consultants based at Universidad de Austral, Chile
•
Role
Responsible
•
•
•
1)
2)
3)
4)
Primary research and author of sections relating to
biological and stakeholder impacts of the project.
Technical advisor and economic research.
Technical advisor and GIS/mapping.
Technical advisor on watershed monitoring
Trevor Walter
Miguel Carcamo
Aldo Farias
David Lobos
Address
Universidad de Austral, Valdivia, Chile
Contact
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Entity
Consultants based at Universidad Andres Bello
Role
Technical advisor on biodiversity monitoring.
Responsible
Eduardo Silva
Address
Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
Contact
[email protected]; [email protected]
Entity
TerraCarbon LLC
Role
Technical lead on development of VCS PD and CCBA
PDD
Responsible
David Shoch
Address
5901 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois 61614 USA
Contact
[email protected]
Entity
SERVAL, Ltda. (Raul Troncozo)
27
Role
Implementation of 2011 biomass inventory, including
management of field crews
Responsible
Nestor Juarez and Marcos Contreras
Address
Chile
Contact
[email protected]
[email protected]
G4.2 Management team expertise
The local project management team includes individuals with significant experience in managing forests and
protected areas in Chile. The Reserve’s Director (responsible for all on-site management at the VCR) holds a B.S.
in Forest Science and began managing the Reserve with TNC’s acquisition of the property; the Conservation
Coordinator is a Forest Engineer with a Masters degree in Economics and Regional Management; the Ranger
Coordinator has graduate degrees in natural resources management and biology; and, the Social Program
Coordinator has an educational background as a Forest Technician. The VCR staff also includes 5 highly
qualified rangers, some with 10 years of experience in the VCR. Further, the TNC forest carbon team has
significant experience in AFOLU project design and implementation and has successfully managed previous
carbon project validations under VCS. Key skills required for the project, the person responsible for that skill area,
and their years of experience are detailed in Appendix 3 of the Non-permanence Risk Report for Avoiding
Planned Deforestation in the Valdivian Coastal Reserve, Chile (Annex 13 to the VCS PD).
The TNC forest carbon team has been involved in forest carbon project development since 1995 and has
significant experience in AFLOU project design and implementation including several projects already registered
under the VCS. Furthermore, the project proponents work alongside and have access to experts in carbon
accounting and reporting (i.e., TerraCarbon) who have significant experience in all aspects of AFOLU project
design and implementation, carbon accounting and reporting under the VCS and CCBA. TerraCarbon has
successfully validated and verified numerous projects under the VCS and CCBA. Additional experience in
watershed monitoring and biodiversity monitoring is provided by researchers at the Universidad Austral de
Valdivia (UACh, in particular with the Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales) and the Universidad
Andres Bello (UNAB).
G4.3 Financial health of implementing organization
The Nature Conservancy is one of the most financially secure environmental NGO’s worldwide, and maintains
some of the highest ethical and professional standards in place through its ‘integrity beyond reproach’
commitment.
Standard and Poor's Rating Services have assigned to TNC a AA- rating. AA ratings mean the organization has a
"very strong capacity to meet financial commitments." In its rating report S&P reports the Conservancy has "good
liquidity position and solid levels of cash and investments." The report goes on to say the Conservancy has
28
"positive operating performance based on generally accepted accounting principles," and a "seasoned
management team, with established debt policy, and financial planning guidelines."
Moody's Investors Service has assigned to TNC a Aa2 rating. An Aa2 rating means the rated obligations "are
judged to be of high quality and subject to very low credit risk." In its ratings report, Moody's says the
Conservancy demonstrates "effective budgeting practices and financial management."
G5. Legal Status and Property Rights
G5.1 Land tenure in the project zone
An analysis of land tenure rights in the project region (then Region X), prior to the acquisition of the VCR property
and project start date, was conducted in 2003 and accompanies this document 10.
In conjunction with the land tenure study, TNC held a workshop for the Coalition for Conservation in the Coast
Range (CCCC 11) in order to elucidate private conservation possibilities and to relate their experience with private
sector models applied in the US, to options available in Chile.
Archeological evidence suggests that the area has a long history of seasonal use by indigenous groups likely
spanning centuries. However, permanent habitation of the zone by indigenous groups began in the second half
of the 19th century, most probably as a result of the aggressive government sponsored settlement campaigns in
the central valley (Godoy 2003b). The parade of prior landowners of the VCR treated the communities south of
the Chaihuín River with differing degrees of tolerance. In 1949, the Lebaudy family recognized 14 families that
inhabited the area between the Chaihuin river and Hueicolla, providing them with a legal basis for continued
occupation (Godoy 2003b). However, subsequent landowners attempted to negate the agreements the
community made with the Lebaudy family and displace the families. This situation produced considerable conflict
within the communities. To resolve the conflict, Terranova S.A. (owner prior to Bosques) granted title to 730
hectares to a custodian on behalf of the communities, but a final settlement was not reached until the land was
divided among the 27 families living in Huiro in 2004 (an area outside the boundary of the project area and VCR).
The acquisition of the VCR by TNC was a radical change in the primary activity on the landscape from a
production to a conservation focus. Initially there was little change in the community’s relationship with the land or
use, and over time, several productive changes were made, whereby people lacking titles to the land where their
families had historically lived were able to obtain them. One notable case was the Nauco-Atero family: Dionisio
10
Carey y Cia Abogados. 2003. Due Diligence Report on Chaihuin and Venecia Real Estate Owned by Bosques
S.A. for The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund. August 5 2003 report.
11
The CCCC was formed by a variety of organizations from civil society including conservationists, scientists,
professional organizations and indigenous groups, to increase the conservation value placed on the Coast
Range, to develop new protected areas and to oppose threats to the landscape
29
Nauco’s family had an informal agreement allowing them to occupy part of Colún Bajo, which had been
established with his mother but upon her death the agreement expired; TNC recognized this agreement and given
that the family wished to move closer to the local school and other services, TNC donated the family a parcel of
land in the Huiro sector adjacent to and complementing 12 ha that the family had received as part of the
distribution of community property.
The primary customary land uses of the communities surrounding the VCR are livestock grazing, seasonal murta
fruit harvest (Ugni molinae) in the thickets of Colún at the end of summer, occasional harvest of firewood on
community properties, and travel through the VCR to access important fishing coves in Hueicolla and
Lamehuape. The areas around Huiro and Cadillal have the longest history of customary use.
In part, local communities meet their dietary and economic needs with marine and freshwater food sources, such
as fish, shellfish and seaweed. For this reason, the VCR participates in resource use agreements related to the
rivers that extend within the boundary of the VCR.
Raising livestock contributes to the well-being of many families in the community, and without this activity their
socioeconomic outlook is precarious. Even though the VCR has characterized cattle grazing as a threat to
biodiversity, VCR staff work with the communities to sustainably maintain the livestock population while reducing
the negative impacts it generates in the project zone by improving fields for grazing on community´s properties
and by granting access to some selected reserve areas for grazing; previously, communities had no access to the
reserve property for grazing or any other productive activity.
The Sitio Ritual de Chaway, or Saint of Chaway, is a cliff on the coast in the Colún sector of the VCR where
sailors believed they saw a face that saved them from a storm. For many years this was an important religious
site; people would travel from as far away as Valdivia, and some continue to visit it, for which TNC facilitates
access.
Many families in the communities surrounding the VCR have insecure land tenure and as a result have difficulty
accessing certain government development benefits or sustainable use incentives. As part of this framework, the
TNC has worked with local communities to legalize land tenure and provide the resources necessary for
sustainable development. In particular, this has resulted in the recognition of several lifetime leases for several
parcels of land that were historically occupied within the boundaries of the property that became the VCR. The
VCR also responded to a request for resettlement made by one of the community members in a similar situation,
who wished to live closer to the rest of the community, and is donating the land title of the parcel identified in the
request through National Indigenous Development Corporation (CONADI, a government agency formed to assist
indigenous groups). Several other donations were made to the community for different uses including an area to
monitor a shellfish concession, a site for a communal cemetery, and land and water rights to develop centralized
water supply infrastructure. These donations seek to help strengthen the local communities and create a
heightened sense of ownership of the natural resources around them through direct ownership and management
30
of the resources they need.
G5.2 No encroachment
Pre-existing conflicts related to resource rights/ownership within the larger VCR property have been settled as
explained in Section G5.1 above. Project activities related to engagement with communities outside the reserve
only have taken place with the explicit agreement of the communities; solicitudes from communities for assistance
are archived at the project office in Valdivia.
G5.3 No involuntary displacement
As explained above, conflicts related to resource rights/ownership existing prior to TNC acquisition of the VCR
property have been settled and led to no involuntary displacement or relocation of rights holders (Section G5.1).
All habitation within the VCR was identified and titles of these properties donated to residents, thus no one has
been required to relocate due to the project (i.e. acquisition of the reserve). The only relocation related to the
project was at the request of the Nauco–Atero family, in which they requested to move from the site that they had
inhabited in Colún to Huiro. TNC granted this request and the family has moved, through the formal process of
titling to a new 12-ha site in Huiro to the Nauco family, conducted in conjunction with the Corporacion Nacional de
Desarrollo Indigena (CONADI), and recognized as indigenous land.
Project activities related to engagement with communities outside the reserve only have taken place with the
explicit agreement of the communities, and have not in any case involved displacement or relocation of
community rights holders or their activities.
G5.4 Illegal activities
Illegal logging could impact project benefits, however, infractions of illegal logging in the region are few due to
remote access and difficulty of transport and strong enforcement by CONAF (personal communication, CONAF
personnel, Valdivia, December 2009). The project area within the reserve in particular is remote with limited
access by primary roads.
Reserve staff, in coordination with CONAF and the District Attorney’s office (Fiscalia Regional) of the Ríos
Region, continuously patrol the reserve and project area to identify and report any cases of illegal logging. Further
assessment of illegal logging and detailed monitoring protocols are provided in the VCS PD Sections 3.2 and 4.3.
TNC has also addressed this risk by granting communities access to Eucalyptus plantations in the reserve to
supply firewood.
It should be noted that the project activity is stopping authorized deforestation, specifically industrial logging, thus
31
the project activity does not drive illegal logging (typically small scale). Its sole effect should be on reducing illegal
logging in the reserve through protection activities and promotion of conservation-compatible livelihoods.
Outside the immediate project area, un-regulated tourism could affect some sectors of the VCR in the
summertime, particularly beaches and dunes producing degradation and pollution of these areas. TNC addresses
this risk by maintaining a dedicated camping area in the reserve near Chaihuin, concentrating and managing
visitor activity on two guided trails (Senderos Los Colmillos de Chaihuin and Los Alerces), requiring the use of
trained guides and implementing an environmental education campaign.
Incursion of industrial fishing boats within artisanal fishing zones and over harvest of marine resources could
impact project benefits related to improved coastal marine resources and associated livelihood benefits. To avoid
this situation, TNC is working together with local fishermen´s unions to establish and support AMERBs (areas de
manejo de recursos marinos) to carry out sustainable management and protection activities.
G5.5 Unresolved conflicts
As explained above, conflicts related to resource rights/ownership existing prior to TNC acquisition of the VCR
property have been settled (Section G5.1) and no ongoing unresolved conflicts are known.
G5.6 National and local laws
An analysis of relevant national and local laws is provided in the VCS PD Section 1.11. TNC, to the best of its
knowledge, has complied with all relevant national and local laws, including labor laws. Besides conducting its
own legal review, TNC will address any citation or notification of nonconformity to any legal statute.
G5.7 Approvals
The VCR project does not need any official approval to carry out its objectives, however it does need to
coordinate closely with many entities and for this reason has actively sought the acceptance of organizations,
government agencies and local communities. TNC has formal agreements with CONAF and CONAMA (now the
Ministry of Environment) related to management of the VCR (CONAF-TNC 2003, CONAMA 2003). The VCR
project will attempt to obtain designation of a portion of the reserve as a Nature Sanctuary by Chile’s National
Council of Natural Monuments. In addition it will undertake periodic updates of the VCR Conservation
Management Plan to be submitted to the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente for approval.
Although there are no formal approvals granted by community authorities, TNC’s practices of social engagement
have demonstrated its concern for the wellbeing of the neighboring communities, which has in turn led to an
understanding and a general approval of the VCR by these local groups. The VCR management takes very
32
seriously its commitment to reaching consensus with local communities in relation to management activities.
Although the bulk of the social activities of the VCR are conducted in the adjacent communities, the VCR also has
a level of outreach that extends to the city of Corral 27 km to the north. Corral is the primary hub of the district
with services and government programs that connect to individual communities, and is the primary relay point for
most ecotourism to the VCR. The VCR also participates in an agreement with the Municipality of Corral and the
Chilean Navy to open a beach to tourism and assist in the provision of services. The regional government has
tacitly approved of the VCR project and has included it as an area of importance in the regional development
plan, which has led to investment in infrastructure that benefits the VCR and surrounding communities (e.g. larger
ferry crossing the Valdivia River and a road paving project from Chaihuín to Corral).
G5.8 Right of Use
Right of use as related to climate and other benefits is established, with supporting analysis, in the validated VCS
PD Section 1.12.1 Right of Use.
G5.9 Other emissions trading programs and binding limits
The project is not registered nor is seeking registration under any other environmental credit trading programs,
nor are emission reductions generated by the project subject to any regulatory scheme. These assertions are
further demonstrated in the validated VCS PD Sections 1.12.2 Emissions Trading Programs and Other Binding
Limits, 1.12.3 Participation in Other GHG Programs and 1.12.4 Other Forms of Environmental Credit. Project
credits are issued through the Markit registry (account ID: 100000000001965), which ensures that double
counting is avoided within the voluntary market. No jurisdictional REDD+ initiative is currently in place (as of the
time of writing in 2015), however, TNC coordinates closely with CONAF on the development of a jurisdictional
REDD+ framework in Chile, and in fact the VCR project has served to inform development of MRV approaches for
application to jurisdictional REDD in Chile.
33
COMMUNITY SECTION
CM1. Without-Project Community Scenario
CM1.1 Description of Community Groups
The VCR is located in a rural area of low population density. In spite of its extent (50,830 ha) covering parts of two
districts of the Valdivian province, the rural populace is not greater than 1,970 persons when the city of Corral is
not included. Twelve rural communities have been identified with which the VCR has either a direct or indirect
relationship: San Carlos-Amargo, Palo Muerto, Los Liles, Huape, Chaihuin, Cadillal Bajo, Cadillal Alto, Huiro,
Punta Galera, Colun Bajo, Hueicolla, and La Barra de Rio Bueno. Although the VCR does coordinate with the city
of Corral, the VCR focuses its outreach initiatives on the communities that are closer and more marginalized, and
that are either directly adjacent to the VCR or whose members regularly travel to the area and are in some way
are dependent upon the VCR for income, livelihood or cultural values. Of the 12 communities indicated above,
five communities on the border of the VCR fit this description: Huape, Chaihuín, Huiro, Cadillal Bajo, and Cadillal
Alto. The VCR participates with these communities in rural development projects. Based on social survey studies
conducted before the establishment of the VCR (Godoy 2003a, 2003b) we describe some of the fundamental
aspects of these communities.
Approximately 23% of the population is dedicated to fisheries as their economic sustenance, an activity that
factors heavily in social identity in these districts, although due to many factors external to the VCR, the percent of
the population dedicated to this activity has dropped dramatically from 43% in 1992 (Godoy 2003a, Muñoz et al.
2005b).
Huape
Huape is located 17 km from Corral. Alerce Costero National Park borders it to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the
west, the town of Los Liles to the north and Chaihuín to the south. Access to Huape is via the coastal ChaihuínCorral road. The town of Huape has a population of 200. Huape community is one of the poorest in the coastal
region. Transportation to and from Huape is provided via bus services based in Chaihuín, which link the towns of
Chaihuín, Huiro, Huape and Corral. In Huape there is a rural telephone network, but no radio or television
broadcasting. Health services are provided by an auxiliary field paramedic at the Huape Rural Health Post, and a
doctor makes rounds once a month. Huape lacks infrastructure and specialized personnel in the areas of
administration, police and fire services, and therefore depends directly on these services located in Corral.
Artisanal fishing is the mainstay of the Huape economy (Godoy 2003a). Of the 25.3% of the population who are
actively working (INE 2002, census), some 78.18% belong to the Huape Fishermen´s Union. The artisanal
fishermen generate income mainly from the commercialization of locos, the Chilean abalone (Concholepas
concholepas) which is the only benthic resource extracted in the Huape management areas. In the summer
months, this income is supplemented by the collection of marine algae (seaweed, Luga), which is marketed
through the Abalone Farming Company located in Los Liles and local intermediaries of export companies.
34
Extraction of pelagic species such as sierra (Pacific sierra), robálo (white snook) and congrio (conger) also
occurs, mainly for personal consumption or sometimes for sale in Corral.
Chaihuín
Chaihuín is located 28 km south of the urban center of Corral. The boundaries of the settlement range from the
Aguas Buenas area to El Apestado, bordering the town of Huiro on the coast, the VCR to the east and the
Quitaluto estate. Access to the community is via the Coastal Highway, with a regular bus service from Chaihuín to
Corral five times a day in the summer and less regularly in the winter.
Chaihuín has a population of 271 (Godoy, 2003). Approximately 50% of the population has not finished primary
education, and only 3.76% have technical or vocational training (Census, 2002), principally the younger
generation of 15 to 30 years of age who have attained the highest levels of education. There is a rural telephone
network in Chaihuín, and cell phone signal and Internet service has recently arrived, but broadcasting signals are
still almost non-existent. Chaihuín has a school with several teachers who provide education up to grade 7. There
is a boarding school for children from remote locations. In Chaihuín there is a rural medical outpost by the school
employing a paramedic technician. Medical rounds are conducted once a month. The medical post in Chaihuín
serves the communities of Huiro, Cadillal Alto, and Cadillal Bajo as well. In case of serious illness or
emergencies, patients must be transferred to Corral. Regarding sanitary facilities, 83% of households are
connected to a sewage system, while 17% use outhouses (Census 2002). The sewage system is not a public
network connecting the whole community, but a system in which sanitary waste is transferred from each
household to septic tanks, which are then emptied by the municipality of Corral. The entire population is
connected to the public electric network, but the community lacks infrastructure and specialized personnel for
administration, police and fire services, and therefore depends on those services located in Corral. Water is
gathered from six creeks: Agua Buena, Agua Verde, Estero Don Goro, La Mina, Sta. Elena and Estero Los
Potrillos. These creeks provide water for the school, the bus station, the medical post and the surrounding
households.
The community of Chaihuín is located at the mouth of the Chaihuín River, where most of the families share 22
properties owned by various community members. The average size of each property is 40 acres. Each property
is shared by approximately four families, some of whom do not have legal tenure in the areas they inhabit.
Although Chaihuín has been recognized by the Ministry of Defense as being suitable for artisanal fishery (1998)
and its bay is used by the Union of Fishermen, the community does not have a formal license from the authorities.
20.86% (2002 census) of Chaihuin’s population actively work, of which 62.9% belong to the Chaihuín
Fishermen´s Union, demonstrating the importance of this activity (Godoy 2003a). Most of the Union´s income is
generated from the extraction of loco (Chilean abalone), which are harvested once a year. Extraction of pelagic
species, such as sierra (Pacific sierra), robálo (white snook), corvina (sea bass) and congrio (conger), is mainly
for personal consumption and local sale.
35
Most families in Chaihuín own some livestock (chicken, pigs, sheep) and farm produce for their own consumption.
Firewood is extracted from individual properties or bought from vendors from the areas of Huape and Huiro.
Cadillal Bajo
The community of Cadillal Bajo is located 5 km upriver to the east of Chaihuín. Its boundaries stretch from the
property of one community member to Aguas Malas creek. It borders the community of Chaihuín in the west,
Alerce Costero National Park in the north (formerly the Quitaluto Estate), and the banks of the river Chaihuín in
the south.
The town is accessed by boat or by a country road, which was built and is maintained by the community. In
Cadillal Alto, there are a total of 28 villagers (Godoy 2003). There are high levels of illiteracy and incomplete
primary education and more than half of the population live in poverty. Most rural areas, including Cadillal Bajo
supplement monetary income with subsistence agriculture and livestock, which allow them to stock up on food
necessary for survival. Cadillal Bajo connects to other parts of the territory by a country road with difficult access,
which is maintained by the community itself and joins up with the main road between Cadillal Alto and Chaihuín.
The absence of public transport to the area means that most of the families use small vessels to get around.
Cadillal Bajo does not have any communication network, educational institutions or public health facilities, so the
community relies on Chaihuín for these services. Drinking water is sourced from four collection points in local
streams, but there is no formal water infrastructure or electrical infrastructure. Four of the six households have
sanitary facilities in their homes; two have outhouses connected to a cesspit. As is the case in most of the coastal
sector where the VCR is located, the community of Cadillal Bajo depends on the administrative, police and fire
services situated in Corral.
Of the six families that inhabit the area, only three have ownership of their lands, while the other three families
have occupied state lands for over 40 years. Agriculture and livestock are the main productive activities carried
out in Cadillal Bajo. This sector experiences winter flooding of the Chaihuín River from May to October as does
the nearby town of Cadillal Alto. On the common lands and on the former Quitaluto property (now part of the
Alerce Costero National Park), logging is carried out for personal use and firewood is also collected in the
riverbed. In 2000, the Cadillal Bajo Committee was formed to implement actions to improve the living conditions of
the community, primarily by focusing on improving basic services and reducing isolation.
Cadillal Alto
The community of Cadillal Alto is located 7 km upriver east of Chaihuín. The boundaries of the community are:
from Malas Aguas creek to Correntoso creek, the latter located on the property of one of the community
members, the last inhabitant on the river Chaihuín. It borders the town of Chaihuín in the west and the Quitaluto
Fundo and Alerce Costero National Park. The southern limit is formed by the river Chaihuín. Access to the town is
mainly by boat, or by a dirt road during summer months.
36
The total population is 28 (Godoy 2003). A majority of the population has not completed primary education,
particularly amongst the adult and senior population where illiteracy is high.
Cadillal Alto does not have a public transport system, so the population relies on their own means of transport
which primarily consist of small rowing or motor boats and horses. The community is connected through a radio
system, with a radio base in the VCR in Chaihuín and in the homes of two residents in the community. Two other
houses also have portable radios. There is no cell phone, Internet or telephone coverage. There are no
educational facilities in Cadillal Alto, therefore pupils must travel to Corral. Although the nearest school is in
Chaihuín, it does not offer the final years of primary education nor boarding facilities. Moreover, the only
establishment for secondary education is located in Corral. Likewise, there are no medical services in Cadillal Alto
and no rounds are carried out, so in case of illness the inhabitants must travel to the medical station in Chaihuín.
The community of Cadillal Alto is not connected to the electric grid. Fresh water is obtained from individual
collection points. Sanitary facilities are present in most households; three are connected to a septic tank and six
to a cesspit. The community lacks infrastructure and specialized personnel in the areas of administration, police
and fire services, and therefore depends directly on the services located in Corral.
The nine families who live in Cadillal Alto own their land title deeds, but in the cases of four families, the land
deeds specify the names of all four without defining the borders. Each of them has built their house in a
communal area, as the rest of the land is flooded in winter when Chaihuín River rises. Flooding affects the entire
community of Cadillal Alto, from May through October, since all farms are located on the banks of the Chaihuín
river and border the new Alerce Costero National Park (formerly the Quitaluto Estate), consisting mainly of plains
and wetlands.
According to field studies in the area, the local economy relies solely on livestock activities during 5 months of the
year, from November to March, producing cattle for milk, cheese and calves (Godoy, 2003). Milk and cheese are
sold in Chaihuín or Corral, while calves are marketed through an intermediary who sets the price and transports
the animals. Although the entire community depends on livestock, production is carried out informally and
independently by each household. There is no formal organization to secure access to state subsidies for
infrastructure, and the cost of applying to subsidies individually is prohibitively high. Without the necessary
infrastructure, the community cannot gain access to sanitary or commercial permits to expand the production and
sale of their products. The families raise sheep and other small animals as well. They practice small-scale
subsistence farming in small vegetable gardens and greenhouses for their own consumption.
The community of Cadillal Alto has created the "Cadillal Alto Advancement Committee", a group that includes
most of the adult residents of the area and that is responsible for addressing social issues most relevant to the
community. The members of this organization also make up the Cadillal Alto Sports Club, which is active mainly
during the summer and organizes local tournaments.
37
Huiro
The community of Huiro is located 34 km south of Corral and 13 km from the town of Chaihuín between the rivers
Chaihuín in the north and Colún in the south. The boundaries of the community are from the Apestado sector to
Punta Galera along the coast, bordered on the east by the VCR and a privately owned farm. The community can
be accessed by the Coastal Highway or along an old route. Locals mostly use the latter, as it crosses the
settlement passing by the houses of the community.
The population of Huiro consists of 91 people (Godoy 2003). The community of Huiro is made up predominantly
of people with indigenous Mapuche-Huilliche ancestry. There are two indigenous sub-communities within the
larger Huiro community: the Antillanca community and the Huiro community, which represent approximately 82%
of the community.
For transportation, the community of Huiro depends on daily bus service to Corral (departing in the morning from
Huiro to Corral and returning to Huiro in the evening). The community is connected to a radio network with a
radio base station in the VCR which connects to three families in the area. Through this system, messages are
transferred and services or assistance can be solicited in case of emergency. The Fishermen´s Union also has a
radio and two portable radios that are connected to the Harbor Master. There is sporadic cell phone coverage
with the new infrastructure in Chaihuín, but no telephone network or Internet. Huiro has had electricity since 2003.
There is no public drinking water network. Most families are connected to water collection points in various
streams of the community. Most families have a bathroom inside their home, which are connected to septic tanks.
(INE 2002 Census). Huiro has a rural health station but it is not currently operational and is not connected to the
electricity system. This means that the community is reliant on the medical station in Chaihuín for health services,
or in case of serious illness or emergency directly on the hospital in Corral. The community has a primary school
up to grade 6, and is privately subsidized. After grade 6, education is continued mainly in Corral where primary
school can be completed and secondary school attended. Huiro does not have police, fire or administrative
services, and relies on Corral for these services.
The Fishermen´s Union of Huiro holds management concessions for two benthic management areas (AMERB) off
the coast: the cove of Huido and the area of Niebla, of 29 and 58 hectares, respectively. There is also a free use
area in the area of Ranque beach, of which the Fishermen´s Union of Huiro and the Huiro Fisherman’s
Association have requested management rights. In these management areas, production is focused mainly on
locos (Chilean abalones), collection of algae (Luga) and gathering of shellfish for personal consumption. The cove
of Huiro is recognized by the Ministry of National Defense (1998), and is used both by the Union of Fishermen
and by the Association of Indigenous Fishermen, but neither of the organizations have a use concession.
Livestock is grazed on community owned pastures, but there is a deficit of 300 metric tons of fodder for the
current number of animals. This deficit is due to limitations of the land caused partly by intrinsic soil characteristics
but further enhanced by lack of management. Logging activities are conducted within the community properties
and in a state-owned strip along the Coastal Highway. Timber is sold and also used by the community itself.
38
Community members also collect other forest products in the vicinity of their properties and in the VCR, such as
wild fruits and plants used for therapeutic purposes.
The local economy of Huiro is based on livestock production, fisheries and forestry, which together generate the
main income for the community. Raising cattle provides food and monetary income for the community, and the
animals’ strength can be employed for work.
Forestry activities are carried out primarily in spring and summer, and firewood from the community farms is sold
to intermediaries from Huape and Corral. Tourist services include family-operated campsites (Antillanca-Aguayo),
the sale of traditional food and crafts in the summer months (by a group called Kutralwe), and sea lion colony
visits, hosted by a local family. Family subsistence is supplemented by agricultural activities (vegetable gardens,
greenhouses, potato plantations and gathering of wild fruit), small livestock production (chickens, geese, ducks)
and extraction of marine resources (shellfish, algae and fish), all destined for personal consumption.
CM1.2 HCVs related to community well-being
High Conservation Values (HCVs) that relate to community well-being include those related to clean water and
watersheds, scenic resources and areas of unique archaeological/cultural importance, and are provided by the
VCR as a whole. Access to clean drinking water is enhanced by protection of the watershed’s forests in the
reserve. Within the VCR, important riverine systems are well represented. Both Chaihuín and the Cadillal
communities rely on the Chaihuín watershed for drinking water, and Huiro is also supplied with water from small
coastal watersheds within the VCR. Scenic resources provided by the VCR are an important HCV that draw
tourists to the area and in turn support local livelihoods.
Important archeological sites have been identified in the dunes and beaches of Colún and Hueicolla, representing
findings of pre-Colombian origin suggesting seasonal collection of marine resources by inland-dwelling peoples
(Adan et al., 2005). These areas fall along the proposed route of the Coastal Highway, and the VCR recognizes
them as important sites for the conservation of cultural heritage.
The Sitio Ritual de Chaway, or Saint of Chaway, is a cliff on the coast in the Colún sector of the VCR where
sailors believed they saw a face that saved them from a storm. For many years this was an important religious
site; people would travel from as far away as Valdivia, and some continue to visit it, for which TNC facilitates
access. The site is important as both a religious site mixing Mapuche and Catholic traditions and also as a place
to celebrate the harvest. The site is an important gathering place for traditional culture.
CM1.3 Changes in well-being under the ‘without project’ scenario
In the “without project” scenario, some local community members could have expected to be employed in the
forestry crews that would have been involved in Eucalyptus plantation establishment and management. With the
bankruptcy of Bosques S.A. that option was temporarily lost, but the project’s baseline assumes that another
39
similar company would have purchased the property and maintained the status quo of industrial timber production
and related employment opportunities to the local population. Approximately 18 people were employed by
Bosques S.A. before it shut down operations, and in the baseline it is assumed that a new industrial forest owner
would have re-initiated operations and continued to provide employment to 18 persons locally. However, new
income-generating opportunities related to tourism would not have existed without the establishment and
promotion of the VCR by TNC. And without TNC’s support to engage the municipality of Corral on the
communities’ behalf, community development services, such as waste collection, would be expected to continue
with the pre-project status quo. The social baseline is characterized by a lack of institutional commitment (by the
government and by the former property owner) to rural and indigenous community development in the project
zone. This lack of engagement would likely still be the case without the project.
Outreach programs such as environmental education and guide training would not have existed. Furthermore,
access to the reserve for sustainable collection of non-timber forest products, wood extraction and grazing would
have likely been forbidden by an industrial forest owner (as it was by Bosques S.A.).
Without TNC’s advocacy to push for discontinuation of the construction of the Coastal Highway (in order to
reinforce conservation objectives), the highway construction might well have gone ahead. In this case, the
highway might have brought some more commerce to the area; however, impacts on community livelihoods are
estimated to be negligible because people were not consulted as to what routes would be useful to them. The
proposed highway extension was motivated primarily as a strategic transportation corridor, rather than to spur
rural development.
Eucalyptus globulus use more water than native forest and retain less water in the soil after precipitation events.
Continued replacement of native forest with Eucalyptus plantations, with comparatively high levels of water use, in
the baseline would be expected to reduce availability of freshwater downstream to local communities on the
coast.
CM2. Net Positive Community Impacts
CM2.1 Impacts on Community Groups
TNC recognizes the importance of assessing the impacts of the project activities on the Community Groups,
including the benefits, costs and risks associated with implementing the project. Social activities at the VCR seek
to increase the social, natural, financial and human capital of the neighboring communities. TNC refers to a
‘theory of change’ model and causal chains to guide the design of activities to improve the well-being of
Community Groups. Drawing upon an analysis of the communities’ capital (Richards 2011), the project’s theory
of change anticipates that the project will improve the well-being of the communities surrounding the VCR, relative
to community well-being in the without-project baseline. An analysis of the communities’ social context, described
40
in previous studies (Godoy 2003a, 2003b, 2004, Herrera 2009, Barbet 2008, 2009, Díaz 2006, Díaz y Solari 2007,
Delgado y Andrade 2009, Farías 2012), supplies the information necessary to develop social impact indicators
(See Community Monitoring Plan). A clear set of objectives and indicators have been established and regular
data collection and analysis (along with communities) allow TNC to evaluate implementation and see whether the
desired benefits to well-being are being achieved.
The project assessment also considers potential costs and risks associated with implementation. These potential
costs and risks are first clearly identified in order to build awareness and take preventative measures. For
example, a potential overabundance of tourists beyond the site’s capacity is checked through monitoring of
entrances, and other associated impacts such as loss of traditional culture are discussed in regular community
meetings. While more informal meetings throughout the year provide valuable data and information on an
ongoing basis, the larger review meetings provide an opportunity to assess the overall impact of the project and
make any necessary adjustments to the management plan.
Underpinning the assessment of impacts is the assumption that changes in well-being are based on activities that
comply with statutory and customary rights. TNC has also made an assumption that should the project not have
been initiated, the conditions at project start would have remained constant. Indicators therefore measure change
against this fixed 2003 baseline.
CM2.2 Mitigation of negative well-being impacts
Ecotourism is an important sector for growth within the communities, but tourism has the potential to change the
social context of the communities in negative ways as well. Any changes or potentially negative impacts caused
by ecotourism will be monitored (Herrera 2009) and addressed appropriately. Tourist numbers will be tracked to
ensure they stay within the capacity of the site. Community members hope that the VCR will provide even more
opportunities for them in the future; however, through its environmental awareness programs and guide training
program, TNC will convey the risks of tourism that expands beyond the site’s capacity.
CM2.3 Positive net well-being impacts
The net well-being impacts of the project are positive for all identified Community Groups. Beyond job
opportunities, TNC will develop human capital and capacity within local communities to increase resilience and
innovation. As indicated previously, the VCR’s impact is greatest within the large communities on its border:
Chaihuín, Huiro, Huape, Cadillal Alto and Cadillal Bajo. The VCR´s principle interaction with these communities is
described as follows:
•
Information and clarification on the VCR’s objectives and programs
•
Identification of necessities and problems and assistance in their resolution
•
Technical support in the identification, development, and implementation of environmental, cultural, social
or productive projects, along with assistance in finding resources to implement them
•
Generation of cultural gathering places that value the natural heritage of the VCR and its surroundings
41
•
Development of training programs based on issues specified by the communities and the VCR
•
Extension and education about the VCR´s programs
Although WWF already had been working with some communities around the VCR before the project began, the
range and breadth of impact grew substantially with TNC’s establishment of the VCR, in particular because TNC
is based within the communities. Clearly this level of connection and support is a net benefit for the communities,
something that was not part of the baseline scenario. In part this is due to the fact that a forest company does not
have explicit social objectives or personnel dedicated to developing social programs. It should also be noted that
the design of the Coastal Highway did not have either public or community participation, and it has been argued
that its development was a poor investment on the part of the government, because the needs of the communities
it passes are directed in other ways (Espinosa et al., 2002). In contrast, the VCR has active connections with the
communities and endeavors to adapt projects to mutual benefit, including promotion of tourism, training
opportunities, and productive initiatives.
CM2.4 No negative effect on High Conservation Values
The fundamental objective of the reserve is to protect the HCVs within it. TNC is committed to ensure no
negative effects on HCVs with a bearing on community well-being, and certain measures are in place to support
this objective. These measures include, for instance, regular monitoring of tourism numbers and attention to
visitor impacts, periodic water quality testing, and ongoing protection of religious and archeological sites. TNC’s
ongoing outreach to communities also means that any HCV-related issues that arise will be swiftly addressed.
The absence of negative impacts on HCVs will be demonstrated over time through periodic monitoring and
reporting of HCV indicators.
CM3. Other Stakeholder Impacts
CM3.1 Impacts on Other Stakeholders
Other Stakeholders have been identified including NGOs, local government institutions, tourists, and an
academic institution. The impacts of the project on these stakeholders is expected to be primarily positive. TNC
has worked in partnership with WWF, a like-minded conservation organization that has contributed to the
development of the VCR project and has a similar interest to TNC in seeing the project succeed. Combining
efforts and resources to support conservation is seen as mutually beneficial. Local government institutions will
also benefit from collaboration with the project. The VCR project will support the provision of potable water and
waste management in order to facilitate improved government services. In this remote part of the country,
external support from the VCR project is welcomed.
The relationship with the Universidad of Austral is mutually beneficial with the VCR providing a suitable study site
while researchers will continue to contribute useful insights and analysis to the project. These relationships are
42
likely to continue to evolve and grow stronger as the project continues. Tourists will also benefit from the project
activities. Tourism services will greatly improve and will include walkways, local restaurants, camping
concessions, and interpretation. These services will improve the visitor experience at the site while at the same
time increasing their interest in conservation.
One of the possible negative impacts of the project on Other Stakeholders relates to the potential problem of
exceeding the site’s capacity to sustainably manage tourism. Since the VCR is a particularly attractive destination
with well-managed services, it is conceivable that the number of tourists will continue to grow. An overabundance
of tourists could create a range of challenges including increased traffic, disturbance to the tranquility of the area,
increased rubbish, and negative effects on local traditions and customs, particularly among the younger
generation. The municipality of Corral could be strained by the need to provide additional government services
such as waste collection.
CM3.2 Mitigation of potential negative impacts
TNC will mitigate these potential challenges through several measures. First, the number of tourists entering the
site will be closely monitored and the flow of car and walking traffic will be carefully controlled through signage
and walkways. Furthermore, the use of local guides will be encouraged not only to enrich the visitor experience
but also to ensure that tourists behave appropriately. Moreover, TNC will invest efforts to ensure that rubbish is
properly disposed of by collaborating with the Municipality on collection and educating tourists about the need to
reduce waste. Finally, TNC will promote the strengthening of local culture by supporting microenterprises that
place a value on indigenous skills in the community such as handicraft production and the cooking of local
specialties.
CM3.3 No net negative impacts
The deforestation that the VCR stopped had few impacts on Other Stakeholders, but VCR’s activities have
potential to displace deforestation to other parts of Chile, to some extent, as described in the VCS Project Design.
Where these impacts occur, they may include impacts to water supplies, traditional resource use, and may cause
urban migration. However, the impacts are likely to have been at a smaller scale than what was projected for the
VCR in the baseline case due to tightening controls on forestry (new forest law in effect since 2008).
Leakage both inside and outside the VCR, is monitored and reported through implementation of climate
monitoring (see VCS PD Section 4.3, and VCS monitoring reports for 2003-2011 and 2011-2014) and the CCB
Biodiversity Monitoring Plan.
CM 4. Community Impact Monitoring
CM4.1 Description of Community Monitoring Plan
43
A series of indicators have been developed for social impact assessment, which will be applied at regular
intervals according to the activity. These were based upon prior community participation in identifying the social
context of the VCR, in validating a theory of change, and in developing causal chains. Indicators were designed to
assess the achievement of the VCR´s social program objectives in both the short and long term. The social
program objectives include the following:
•
All households (100%) in 2 villages (Chaihuin, Huiro) will have year-round access to safe drinking water.
•
Waste will be managed appropriately to avoid contamination of soil and water and to attract tourists
•
The communities will have a better understanding of environmental and natural resource conservation
•
Villagers will have increased supplementary incomes
•
Women will have more financial independence and contribute to family income
•
Community members will be generally satisfied with community outreach activities of the VCR
The Community Monitoring Plan (CMP) provides an overall framework to guide TNC to collect appropriate data to
monitor the indicators associated with the objectives above. The CMP includes information on adherence to CCB
monitoring requirements, identification of stakeholders, key monitoring principles, roles and responsiblities for
monitoring, and data management. It assesses differentiated impacts, including benefits, costs, and risks, for
each of the Community Groups with an annual evaluation by the affected Community Groups. (See Community
Monitoring Plan for more details).
CM4.2 Monitoring of HCVs
The CMP also assesses the effectiveness of measures taken to maintain or enhance High Conservation Values
(HCVs) that relate to community well-being. The indicators associated with these HCVs include those related to
clean water and watersheds, marine resources, and scenic resources. Access to clean drinking water which is
enhanced by protection of the watershed’s forests in the reserve, is measured periodically through water testing
and an annual survey on water access. Protection of marine resources is tied to the support for the AMERBs
whose area will be monitored and evaluated in the annual review with the communities. Scenic resources are an
important HCV that draw tourists to the area and in turn support local livelihoods. Benefits of scenic resources
are monitored through indicators related to tourism-related microenterprises. Tourist numbers are also monitored.
CM4.3 Dissemination of the monitoring plan and results
The VCR will make the results of monitoring publically available and will communicate the monitoring plan to
stakeholders and all interested parties. Community members are invited to periodic reviews of community
outreach activities to evaluate progress and make input for improvements.
44
BIODIVERSITY SECTION
B1. Biodiversity Without–project Scenario
B1.1
Biodiversity and threats to biodiversity in the project zone
Biodiversity in the VCR region
The VCR is located in the Cordillera Pelada, an important landscape in terms of conservation at multiple scales.
According to Ramirez and San Martin (2005) 12, the Cordillera Pelada contains one of the last continuous
fragments of native coastal forest in good condition. According to World Resource Institute (Neira et al., 2002) 13, it
is considered a “frontier forest”, whose relatively large size enhances the viability of existing populations of
species. The Cordillera Pelada, where the Valdivian Coastal Reserve is located, is recognized as a high priority
conservation area by numerous organizations and publications, including Red Book CONAF Priority Sites (Muñoz
et al., 1996) 14, the Vision of the Biodiversity of WWF (WWF et al, 2000) 15, Regional Biodiversity Strategy of the
National Environment Commission (CONAMA) (CONAMA, 2002) 16, Silviculture Institute of the Universidad
Austral de Chile (Lara et al, 2002)17 and Conservation International, through their identification of the area as a
“Hot Spot” called the “Chilean Winter Rainfall - Valdivian Forest” (http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org) (Farias et
al., 2004) 18.
The project zone is characterized by a series of unique formations created by the steep slopes of the coastal
mountain range that reach down to the ocean, the Pacific Ocean itself and the rivers that flow into it. There are
terrestrial, freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems of biological importance with native flora and fauna of
national and global significance (Veit 1994, Armesto et al 1997, Veit and Garleff 1995, Villagran et al. 1997,
Farías and Tecklin 2003).
The VCR is home to a diverse assemblage of fauna, including endemic and endangered species, such as the
huillín or river otter (Lontra provocax), the pudú (Pudu puda), the mountain monkey (Dromiciops gliroides) the
Ramirez, C., San Martin, C. 2005. Asociaciones vegetales de la Cordillera de la Costa de la Región de los Lagos.
En Smith-Ramirez, C., Armesto, J., Valdovinos, C. (eds) 2005. Historia, biodiversidad y ecología de los bosques
costeros de Chile. Editorial Universitaria, Chile.
Neira, E., Verscheure, H., Revenga, C. 2002. Chile's frontier forests: conserving a global treasure. CAB
International, London. Pp.55.
Muñoz, M. Núñez, H., Yánez, J. 1996. Libro Rojo de los sitios prioritarios para la conservación de la
Biodiversidad biológica en Chile. Corporación Nacional Forestal.
WWF et al. 2000. A conservation assessment and biodiversity vision for the Valdivian ecoregion. Available online
at:
http://chile.panda.org/sala_redaccion/publicaciones/?144962/Resumen-vision-para-la-biodiversidad-de-laEcorregion-de-los-Bosques-Templados-Lluviosos-de-Chile-y-Argentina
CONAMA. 2002. Propuesta regional para la conservación y utilización sostenible de la biodiversidad, décima
Región de los Lagos.
Lara, A., Neira, E., Echeverría, C., 2002. Levantamiento de una base de datos para la implementación piloto de
sistema de información para el manejo sustentable de los recursos naturales renovables y la conservación de la
biodiversidad en la X región de los lagos.
Farías A., Tecklin, D, Pliscoff, P. 2004.Análisis del avance hasta la fecha en la definición de las áreas prioritarias
para la conservación de la biodiversidad en la Región de los Lagos. Documento Nº 8 Serie de Publicaciones
WWF Chile Programa Ecoregión Valdiviana
45
Magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), Darwin’s fox (Pseudalopex fulvipes), the guiña cat
(Oncifelis guigna), Darwin's frog (Rhinoderma darwini) and the Valdivian toad (Alsodes valdiviensis) (Muñoz et al.,
2005b). Highly endemic species such as the freshwater crustacean Aegla hueicollensis have been identified in
the Huieicolla river watershed (Jara 2005).
The VCR also contains unique globally significant ecosystems and vegetation, such as Olivillo coastal forest
(Aextoxicon punctatum) and Alerce forest (Fitzroya cupressoides), the latter being the second oldest living tree
species, with lifespans that can exceed 3,600 years. Also within the VCR are extensive Nothofagus forest areas
that harbor high diversity of endemic flora and fauna.
Specific vegetation communities and faunal groups represented in the VCR are described below.
Coastal Olivillo Forest
The coastal forest in the VCR is dominated by evergreen Olivillo (Aextoxicon punctatun) that are commonly found
in lower segments of the Coastal Mountain Range, between sea level and 300-500 meters above sea level (Perez
and Villagran 1994, Aravena 1991, Armesto et al. 1997, Trecaman 2002, Muñoz et al. 2005). The Olivillo is an
endemic species of the temperate forests of Chile and Argentina and houses the highest species richness of flora
in the VCR (Ramirez et al. 1976, Smith et al. 2005). Other species present in the canopy of the Olivillo forests are
Tepa (Laureliopsis philipiana), Luma (Amomyrtus luma), Valdivian Patagua (Myrceugenia planipes), Patagua
(Myrceugenia ovata), Chilean Myrtle or Arrayán (Luma apiculata) and Meli (Amomyrtus meli). One of the most
noticeable features is the richness and abundance of epiphytes and vine species, including more than 15 species
of ferns of the genus Hymenophyllum, a species of bromeliad (Fascicularia bicolor), 3 species of Quilineja
(Luzuriaga sp), two species of climbing vines (Hydragenea serratifolia, Elytropis chilensis) and 3 species of
epiphytes of the family Gesneriaceae (Asteranthera ovata, Mitraria coccinea, and Sarmienta repens) (Aravena
1991, Armesto et al. 1997).
The main extent of Olivillo forest in the VCR is south of Punta Galera, south of the Colún river and from the
Pichihueicolla river to an area known as the Pingüinera (penguin rocks). The area spans 1,860 hectares or about
3% of the VCR’s total area.
Alerce Forest
The VCR possesses forests dominated by the conifer species Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), a monotypic genus
endemic to southern Chile and Argentina (Ramirez and Riveros 1975). In the Coastal Mountain Range, it is
distributed from the Cordillera Pelada (in the upper area of the town of Corral) to Chiloé Island (Ramirez and
Riveros 1975, Veblen et al. 1976, Donoso et al. 1990, Farias 2012). The Alerce is a large, slow growing, high
quality timber tree with a lifespan that exceed 3,600 years.
46
Figure 5 Alerce forests within the VCR and neighboring forests
Alerce forests within the VCR and neighboring forests
Alerce forests are home to a wealth of associated fauna and flora (Cortes 1990). Vertebrate fauna are particularly
diverse and include puma (Puma concolor), the huiña cat or Kodkod (Oncifelis guigna), South American Grey Fox
or Chilla (Pseudalopex griseous), Andean fox or Culpeo (P. culpaeus), Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk or Chingue
47
(Conepatus chinga), Pudu deer (Pudu puda), Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), Chucao
(Scelorchilus rubecula), Chilean pigeon (Columba araucana), Austral parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus),
Slender-billed parakeet (E. leptorinchus), and herpetofauna including Alsodes monticola, Batrachyla antartandica,
B. letptopus, Eupsophus calcaratus, E. vertebralis, Rhinoderma darwini and Liolaemus pictus (Mendez et al. in
Smith et al. 2005).
Alerce forests were subject to heavy exploitation and removal during the colonization of southern Chile after 1818
(Philippi 1865, Pérez 1979), and it is estimated that the current areal distribution of Alerce is 46% of what existed
in 1550 (Lara 2000). The 1998 national native vegetation inventory (CONAF et al 1999) estimated the total area
of Alerce forest in Chile at 260,976 hectares, much of it classified as burnt or marginal Alerce (Donoso et al.
1990).
In 1976, the Alerce was declared a natural monument and all cutting of live Alerce was prohibited. Since 1997,
the Alerce has been listed by IUCN as an endangered species and is now considered to be at risk of extinction. In
1973, the Alerce was listed in CITES Appendix I, thus classifying it as a species which cannot be commercialized
amongst CITES signatory countries.
Despite the prohibition of extraction and domestic and international recognition, Alerce is still exploited illegally.
The effective protection of Alerce in the National System of Protected Wildland Areas of the State (SNAPSE)
covers 47,326 hectares. Within SNASPE Alerce forests of the Coastal Mountain Range are effectively protected
in two areas, Chiloé National Park and Alerce Costero National Park. The latter protects 6,701 hectares of this
forest type, including 4,860.7 ha donated by the VCR for the establishment of the park. The VCR itself contains
4,842.3 ha of Alerce forest, though none of it in the immediate project area.
Coastal evergreen forest
Evergreen forest is located between 40 º 30 'and 47 º S, below 1000 meters above sea level in the Andes
Mountain Range and from 38 º 30 'to 47 º S in the Coastal Mountain Range on the western slopes (Donoso 1981,
Vergara and Reyes 2000). It covers an area of approximately 4,148,905 hectares, representing 30.9% of the total
native forest area of the country (CONAF et al. 1999, 2000 and Vergara and Reyes 2000, Vergara et al. 2000). Of
this area, 34.3% is protected in SNASPE. However, these conservation efforts focus primarily on the Andes
Mountain Range. Coastal evergreen forest in the continental Coastal Mountain Range is only under official
protection in the Alerce Costero National Park, covering 24,694.21 hectares. The VCR has 32,953 hectares of
Coastal evergreen forest (excluding Coastal Olivillo forest), which represents three times the area currently under
official protection in the mountains of the mainland coast.
Coastal evergreen forests grow in areas with high rainfall, with approximately 2000 - 5000 mm of precipitation per
year and annual average temperature ranging from 5 º to 15 º C.
Coastal evergreen forest is generally composed of Nothofagus associations with other evergreen tree species,
although some areas are dominated by Chiloé Coigüe and Magallanes Coigüe (Donoso, 1981). Other important
component tree species include Tepa (Laurelia phillipiana), Luma (Amomyrtus luma), Canelo (Drimys winteri),
Tineo (Weinmannia tricosperma) and Tiaca (Cladcuvia paniculata). In the shrub layer are found Quila (Chusquea
quila) Tepú (Tepualia stipularis), Picha (Myrceugenia planipes) and other Myrtaceae. At ground level, herbaceous
48
species dominate including Nertera granadensis, Luzuriaga spp. and Medallita, Botellita and Estrellita of the
family Gesneriaceae, as well as mosses and ferns (Donoso 1981).
Fauna is well represented in coastal evergreen forest, and includes Puma (Puma concolor), guiña (Leopardus
guigna), Grey fox and Andean fox (P. griseous, P. culpaeus), Pudu (Pudu puda), various species of rodents
(Irenomys tarsalis, Abrotrix longipillis, Geoxus valdivianus, Loxodontomis micropus), Monito del monte
(Dromiciops gliroides), Chilean shrew opossum (Rhyncholestes raphanurus), Magellanic and Striped
woodpeckers (Campephilus magellanicus, Picoides lignarius), Rufous-legged Owl (Strix rufipes), toads and frogs
(Batrachyla leptopus, B. taeniata, Eupsophus roseus, E. vertebralis, E. calcaratus, E. migueli and Alsodes
monticola), and reptiles such as the Chilean Slender Snake (Tachymenis chilensis), the Painted Tree Lizard
(Liolaemus pictus) and the Thin Tree Lizard (L. tenuis).
Within the coastal evergreen forest type are included Tepa-Tineo-Mañío, Chiloe Coigüe and Notro Canelo forest
associations.
The Tepa-Tineo-Mañío Forest (Laureliopso-Weinmanniaetum-trichosperma) covers an area of 12,339 hectares of
the VCR and is situated between 500 and 800 meters above sea level, being strongly associated with high
humidity zones resulting from continuous fog condensation. It is an evergreen forest type with trees reaching
heights of up to 45 m. The upper stratum is dominated by Tepa (Laureliopsis philipiana), Tineo (Weinmania
trichosperma) and Female Mañio or Prince Albert's Yew (Sexagothaea conspicuous). It is characterized by a high
abundance of climbers, the most characteristic being Quila (Chusquea quila), Helm (Griselinia ruscifolia),
Pehueldén (Hydrange serratifolia) and Elder (Pseudonpanax laetevirens). The soil is usually covered with
mosses, hygrophilous herbs and hepatica. The trunks are covered with layers of epiphytes (Fascicularia bicolor
and Himenophyllum spp) and mosses of the genus Weimouthia (Donoso et al. 1984, Ramirez and San Martin
2005).
The Chiloe Coigüe Forest (Nothofagetum nitidae) occurs above altitudes of 800 meters and occupies an area of
16 669 hectares of the VCR. This forest is dominated by evergreen Nothofagus nitida and generally has a lower
species diversity than Tepa-Tineo-Mañío forests (Ramirez and San Martin 2005). Canelo (Drimys winteri) and
Mañío Macho (Podocarpus nubigena) are commonly found in these forests. The shrub layer is dominated by
Taique (Desfontainia spinosa), Pitrilla (Myrceugenia chrysocarpa) and Murta (Ugni candollei). Among climbers
are Quila (C. quila) and Voqui liana (Capsidium valdivianum). The herbaceous layer includes mosses, hepatica
and some hygrophilous herbs, though generally in less abundance than in Tepa-Tineo-Mañío Forests (Ramirez
and San Martin 2005).
The Notro Canelo Forest is an early successional stage of Tepa Tineo-Mañío forest – following disturbance,
regrowth is characterized by very abundant Canelo and Notro (Embothrium coccineum) (Donoso et al. 1990). In
the VCR, this forest is mainly present between 100 and 500 meters above sea level and covers an area of 13,069
hectares.
Coastal Patagüa Shrubland
This community exists on the coast between dunes and Olivillo forest between 3 and 50 m.a.s.l. and can reach
heights of up to 4 meters (Ramirez and San Martin 2005). The dominant species is Patagua Marina (Griselinia
jodinifolia), acompanied by Quila (Chusquea quila), Escallonia leucantha, Fascicularia litoralis, Eryngium
49
paniculatum, Libertia chilensis, Gleichenia litoralis, Lobelia tupa and Greigia sphacelata among others. One
endangered endemic and little known species is the Valdivia gayana, a high value species indirectly associated
with this shrub land occupying cavernous humid and dark areas. Currently Patagua Marina is considered a
threatened species in the region due to habitat changes from replacement of native forests, fires and overgrazing.
Dune systems
Two systems of dunes are located in the Colún and Hueicolla sectors. The dune plant community consists of five
communities: a) perlilla scrub (Margyricarpetum pinnatae), b) brecillo scrub (Empetrum rubrae), c) dicha grande
community (Ambrosietum chamissonis), d) pichoga community (Euphorbietum portulacoides) and e) doca
community (Carpobrotetum aequilaterae) (Muñoz et al. 2005b).
Mammals
Darwin’s Fox (Pseudalopex fulvipes)
The presence of Darwin’s Fox in the VCR was first discovered via camera trap monitoring in 2012 19. This species
is endemic to Chile and was previously known from only two other areas. Locations of the three confirmed
observations in the VCR were from native forest and from Eucalyptus plantations with dense native understory
(Farias et al 2014). It should be noted that in a without project scenario, a dense native understory would not be
permitted to develop under industrial plantation management practices where vegetative competition is controlled
and plantations are subject to clearcuts every 15 years. Darwin’s Fox is classified as Critically Endangered by
IUCN.
Pudu (Pudu puda)
The Pudu is the smallest South American deer species and is endemic to the temperate forests of Chile and
Argentina. Its distribution in Chile ranges from the Maule region (35 º 10 'S) to the Straits of Magellan (Redford
and Eisenberg 1992, Quintana et al. 2000).
This species inhabits densely forested areas and is associated with dark, humid understory, at altitudes from sea
level to 1000 or 1700 masl (Redford & Eisenberg 1992, Glade 1985, Eldrige et al. 1987, Quintana et al. 2000). In
the VCR, the Pudu is found at altitudes between 0 and 800 masl, and is associated with mature forests, saplings
and dense thickets, restricted to areas with slopes of less than 40 degrees (Delgado 2005 Cit. Bello 2005 pers.
comm). Pudu habitat has been characterized as native forest with low levels of disturbance and dense
undergrowth (Rau 2005 pers. comm.), however Pudus have also been reported in disturbed habitats (e.g. grazing
lands and plantations of mature exotic species) where dense undergrowth is present, though these areas are
thought to provide comparatively poor quality habitat (Jiménez 1994, 1995, Bello 2003, Rau 2005 pers. comm.).
Although Pudus may be adaptable to anthropogenic habitat alteration, areas near human habitation present
increased threats from hunting, dog attacks and parasitic diseases transmitted by domestic animals (mainly dogs
Farias et al. 2014. A new population of Darwin's fox (Lycalopex fulvipes) in the Valdivian Coastal Range. Revista
Chilena de Historia Natural 87:3.
50
and cattle) (Eldridge et al. 1987, Quintana et al. 2000, Simonetti 1994). Attacks by dogs are believed to pose the
largest direct threat to Pudus rangewide (Eldridge et al. 1987, MacNamara and Eldridge 1987, Jiménez 1994,
Bello 2003, Delgado 2005 Cit. Rau 2005 pers. comm.) and in the VCR (Delgado 2005 Cit. Alfredo Almonacid
2005 pers. comm.).
The Pudu is listed as Vulnerable in the Red Book of Chilean Vertebrates (Glade 1993) and by the Deer Specialist
Group of the IUCN (2002). It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES.
Guiña (Oncifelis guigna)
The Guiña has been found throughout lesser disturbed areas of the VCR. Radio telemetry has been used to map
home ranges within the VCR and it is estimated that the population of Guiña in the VCR is at least 30 individuals
(Sepulveda, 2012 pers. comm.). The Guiña is classified as vulnerable by IUCN.
Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax)
The Southern River Otter lives along rivers where the presence of dense vegetation and large woody debris or
root structures serve as feeding, resting or den sites, and tends to favor areas of low human impact (Chehebar et
al. 1986, Chehebar and Porro 1998, Medina 2001). The river otter is a top predator in the trophic structure of the
freshwater ecosystem it occupies and as such is sensitive to environmental changes in watersheds, which make it
a good indicator of the quality of the aquatic environment (Foster-Turley 1990). The Southern River Otter has a
wide distribution, from 36º to 52ºS, and specifically in Chile from the Tolten river (39ºS) to the Magellan Straits
(Muñoz et al., 2005a). Populations of the species have decreased in large part to hunting, but currently are more
impacted by human development (Chehebar et al. 1986). The Southern River Otter is considered endangered by
the IUCN and by the Red Book of Chilean Vertebrates, as well as being listed by CITES.
Initial studies of the otter within the VCR identified populations along the Chaihuín and Colún rivers with potential
habitat along the Pichicolún and Carimahuida Rivers indicated by the high quantity of large woody debris, pools
and areas of higher current which in turn are good indicators of potential prey species such as Salmo trutta,
Aplochiton sp., Aegla sp (W. Steffen com. pers.).
Sea Otter (Lontra felina)
The Sea Otter or Chungungo lives along the immediate coast and in the ocean, preferably in exposed rocky areas
(Castilla and Bahamondes, 1979). Currently, it is found in isolated populations along the coast from northern Peru
(56 º S) to Cape Horn (56 ºS) (Redford and Eisenberg, 1992; Larivière,1998). The Chungungo is considered a
keystone species in intertidal and upper subtidal coastal marine systems. The diet of L. felina consists mainly of
crustaceans and fish (Delgado 2001a, 2001b, 2005 Medina et al. 2004). The Chungungo mainly inhabits rocky
areas along a coastal strip of about 30 meters on land and 100-150 meters in the water, and frequents areas with
brown algae (Durvillea antarctica) and kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), and areas with cracks, caves and large rocks
to use as dens or sites for feeding, defecation or rest (Castilla and Bahamondes, 1979; Ebensperger and Castilla,
1992; Medina, 1995).
51
Throughout the past century, sea otters lived along the entire Chilean coast (Housse, 1953), but due to their
coveted pelts they were subject to heavy exploitation by poachers, mainly between 1910 and 1954. Currently,
new pressures such as the destruction and alteration of habitat due to the considerable increase in human
activities along the coast have exacerbated the decline of sea otter populations throughout their entire range
(Larivière, 1998, Redford and Eisenberg, 1992; Sielfeld and Castilla 1999). Of these human activities, those that
likely have the greatest impact on this species include the overharvest of coastal resources that constitute their
diet and the construction of infrastructure and roads along the coastline that disrupt coastal habitat (Sielfield and
Castilla 1999, Medina et al. 2004). It has been observed that the density of L.felina is reduced in areas with
frequent human activity, compared to more isolated areas where access is limited (Delgado et al. 2005), like the
VCR.
For these reasons, L. felina is classified according to the Red Book of Chilean Vertebrates (Glade, 1993) as an
endangered species in the northern and central-southern areas, and as vulnerable in Region XIV, Chile. It is also
listed as endangered on the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN, HiltonTaylor 2000) and is listed in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
In surveys conducted in the VCR, otters were recorded all along the rocky shoreline (Delgado et al. 2005). They
were identified by direct observations at four stations, located in Chaihuín, Huiro, Punta Galera and Colún. The
density of sea otters along the VCR coastline was estimated to be 3.5 individuals per kilometer of coastline. This
density represents one of the highest recorded in the region, where the average was 2 individuals per linear
kilometer (Delgado et al. 2005).
Birds
The VCR hosts a large avian community including several species recognized by the IUCN as vulnerable,
including the Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), and the Torcaza (Columba araucana). Other
avian species are part of this landscape such as Black Necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) which has a local
history of threat, the Chilean Gavilán (Accipiter chilensis) listed in Appendix II of CITES and the near-threatened
Rufous-tailed Hawk (Buteo ventralis).
Amphibians
The Valdivian forests of the Cordillera Pelada host a wealth of native amphibians, consisting of seven
representative genera: Rhinoderma, Pleurodema, Eupsophus, Batrachyla, Alsodes, Caudiverbera and Hylorina,
of which the last two are monotypic (Forms 1995, Mendez et al. 2005). Most of them live amongst forest floor
debris and rotting logs (Mendez et al. 2005). Alsodes monticola and Caudiverbera caudiverbera are associated
with water bodies. Rhinoderma darwini and Batrachyla antartandica are associated with mosses and lentic waters
(Mendez et al. 2005).
Recent studies in the Cordillera Pelada, including part of the VCR, have recorded 13 species of native
amphibians (Ways et al. 2002, Muñoz et al. 2005, Mendez et al. 2005): Eupsophus calcaratus, Eupsophus
vertebralis, Eupsophus roseus, Eupsophus migueli, Rhinoderma darwini, Hylorina sylvatica, Alsodes valdiviensis,
Alsodes monticola, Pleurodema thaul, Batrachyla taeniata, Batrachyla leptopus, Batrachyla antartandica and
Caudiverbera caudiverbera.
52
The Alerce forest amphibian community is composed of nine species: Alsodes monticola, Batrachyla
antartandica, B. letptopus, Eupsophus calcaratus, E. vertebralis, Rhinoderma darwini, Hylorina sylvatica, Alsodes
valdiviensis and Pleurodema thau (Formas et al. 2002, Muñoz et al. 2005, Méndez 2005 C. Cuevas 2005 pers.
comm.). The Olivillo forest community is made up of six species: Batrachyla taeniata, Eupsophus calcaratus,
Eupsophus vertebralis, Rhinoderma darwini, Hylorina sylvatica and Batrachyla leptopus (Muñoz et al. 2005,
Méndez 2005, C. Cuevas 2005 pers. comm.). The Chilean toad (Caudiverbera caudiverbera) is associated with
bodies of water with reeds, which in the VCR are near the southern boundary by the Carimahuida River and
possibly in some areas of the Chaihuín River.
Several amphibian species are of particular conservation significance, including Darwin’s Frog (R. darwini) and
Alsodes valdiviensis. Darwin’s Frog (R. darwini) is endemic to temperate forests and has been considered an
endangered species by the IUCN (Glade 1993, Nuñez et al 1997, Crump 2002, Ortiz and Ibarra 2005, Crump and
Veloso 2005). Alsodes valdiviensis is a highly endemic amphibian, only found in the Cordillera Pelada at higher
elevations of the VCR (Formas et al. 2002).
Threats to biodiversity in the VCR region
A complete analysis of biodiversity threats and conservation strategies is provided in in Silva-Rodríguez et al
2014 20 and Silva-Rodríguez et al 2015 21, which accompany this document. Significant threats to biodiversity
addressed by the project activity are related to pre-project plans to deforest 1,187 ha and 86 ha through
substitution of native forest for Eucalyptus plantations and through construction of a coastal highway running
through the reserve, respectively.
B1.2
High Conservation Values (HCVs) related to biodiversity
The following trigger species (relevant to demonstration of exceptional biodiversity benefits) and HCVs, the
conservation of which is closely related to the principal project activity of native forest protection, have been
identified and will be tracked in the project biodiversity monitoring plan:
Table B1.1. High Conservation Value (HCV) species and communities identified in the project zone.
Endemic and endangered species
Species
IUCN status
Notes
Alerce (Fitzroya
Endangered
A monotypic tree genus
endemic to southern Chile and
Silva-Rodríguez, E. Sepúlveda, M., Duarte, C., Stowhas, P., García-Vera, C., Cruz, E., G. Travieso, F.
Zorondo-Rodríguez, A. Alfonso, M. Godoy & A. Andrade. 2014. Plan de Conservación de Área
Reserva Costera Valdiviana 2015-2020. The Nature Conservancy and Universidad Andres Bello.
Silva-Rodríguez, E., M. Sepúlveda, C. Duarte, P. Stowhas, C. García-Vera, E- Cruz, G. Travieso, F. ZorondoRodríguez, A. Alfonso, M. Godoy, A. Andrade, L. Osman, L. Pezoa, S. Zamorano, P. Poveda & A. Almonacid.
2015. Plan de Manejo Reserva Costera Valdiviana 2015-2020. The Nature Conservancy, Valdivia, Chile.
53
cupressoides)
Argentina.
Darwin’s fox
(Pseudalopex
fulvipes)
Critically endangered
Endemic to Chile. First
discovered by camera traps in
the VCR in 2012.
Pudú (Pudu puda)
Vulnerable
Endemic to the temperate
forests of Chile and Argentina,
listed as Vulnerable in the Red
Book of Chilean Vertebrates
(Glade 1993) and according to
the Deer Specialist Group of
the IUCN (2002). It is also in
Appendix I of CITES. The
population of Pudu in the VCR
is estimated to well exceed 30
individuals (Eduardo Silva,
2012 pers. com.).
Guiña cat (Leopardus
guigna)
Vulnerable
It is estimated that the
population of Guiña in the VCR
is at least 30 individuals
(Sepulveda, 2012 pers.
comm.).
Darwin's frog
(Rhinoderma darwini)
Vulnerable
Valdivian toad
(Alsodes valdiviensis)
Data deficient
Restricted endemic
amphibian, only found in the
Cordillera Pelada at higher
elevations of the VCR (Formas
et al. 200222).
Unique and globally significant ecosystems and vegetation
Community
IUCN status of
dominant species
22
Notes
Formas, R., Cuevas, C., Brieva, L. 2002. A new species of alsodes from cerro mirador,
from cordillera pelada, southern Chile. Proceedings of the biological society of Washington 115(4):
708-719.
54
Olivillo coastal forest
Data deficient
Dominated by evergreen
Olivillo (Aextoxicon punctatun),
Olivillo is an endemic species
of the temperate forests of
Chile and Argentina and
houses the highest species
richness of flora in VCR
(Ramirez et al. 1976 23, Smith et
al. 200524).
Despite their uniqueness and
ecological importance, Olivillo
Coastal Forests are poorly
represented in the forested
areas of SNASPE, and are
protected only in the National
Park Fray Jorge and the Chiloé
National Park.
For all of the identified HCVs above, the relevant management area is the VCR.
B1.3
Without-project land use scenario – anticipated impacts on biodiversity
The land-use scenario in the without project (baseline) scenario is detailed and justified in the VCS PD Section
3.1 Baseline Emissions. In the baseline scenario, 1,187 ha of native forest are projected to be clearcut and
converted to short rotation (15 years) Eucalyptus plantations under industrial management, and 86 ha of forest
(mostly native forest, but some pre-existing Eucalyptus plantations) would be cut and replaced with an unvegetated right of way along a newly-constructed coastal highway. The entire project area would be clearcut by
2013 in the baseline scenario (see tables B1.2 and B1.3 below, from the VCS PD). Construction of the coastal
highway would also have eliminated non-forest habitat like Coastal Patagüa shrub lands.
Table B1.2. Forest area cleared and converted to un-vegetated highway right of way in the baseline scenario
(areas in hectares). Year refers to the year at the end of the annual interval, hence 2004 represents the year from
4 November 2003 to 3 November 2004.
Year
Native Forest Plantation-1990 Plantation-1991 Plantation-1992
Total Area
Deforested
2004
0.0
2005
0.0
Ramirez, C., Steubing, L., Alberdi, M. 1976. La familia Hymenophyllaceae (Pteridophyta) en el fundo San Martín,
Valdiva, Chile. I. Taxonomía y ecología. Medio Ambiente 2: 21 – 28.
Smith-Ramirez, C., Armesto, J., Valdovinos,C. 2005. Historia, biodiversidad y ecología de los bosques costeros
de Chile. Editorial Universitaria, Chile.
55
2006
21.97
22.0
2007
2.01
2.0
2008
9.24
1.00
10.2
2009
3.57
0.01
3.6
2010
14.74
0.10
2011
19.51
0.81
6.74
20.3
2012
3.45
2013
21.6
3.5
2.84
2.8
Total
86.0
Table B1.3. Native forest area cleared and converted to Eucalyptus plantations in the baseline scenario (areas in
hectares). Year refers to the year at the end of the annual interval, hence 2004 represents the year from 4
November 2003 to 3 November 2004.
Year
Native forest
2004
475.4
2005
491.3
2006
76.0
2007
110.1
2008
34.2
2009
0.0
2010
0.0
2011
0.0
2012
0.0
2013
0.0
Total
1,187.0
With loss of native forest cover and discontinuity of the larger forested landscape, it is anticipated that in the
baseline scenario biota associated with native forest are subject to reductions in areal coverage and population
declines. Ecosystem fragmentation is one of the largest ecological problems in Chile, where plantation patches
limit connectivity, decrease structure, composition and function of the landscape (Echeverria et al., 2007).
While some native forest fauna like the Darwin’s Fox and Pudu have been observed using Eucalyptus plantations,
these occurrences have been in areas where a dense native understory has developed, would not be permitted
under baseline industrial plantation management practices where vegetative competition is controlled and
plantations are subject to clearcuts every 15 years. A study by Simonetti et al (2013 25) in central Chile found low
frequency of occurrence of medium-sized native mammals (including Guiña, Culpeo Foxes (Pseudalopex
culpaeus), and Pudu) in Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) plantations with minimal understory, as compared with
25
Simonetti, Javier A., Audrey A. Grez, and Cristian F. Estades. "Providing habitat for native mammals through
understory enhancement in forestry plantations." Conservation Biology 27.5 (2013): 1117-1121.
56
those stands with a well-developed understory. Thus, Eucalyptus plantations under industrial management are
not expected to provide suitable habitat for native forest-associated and dependent species.
New plantations established in the baseline scenario would also require opening new access routes. Historically,
under the previous industrial forest owner, approximately 16.7 km of new road were built each year in the VCR to
access and expand plantations (Carcamo y Farías 2011). Between 2003 and 2008, at least 83.5 km of new roads
would have been constructed in the baseline scenario. This road network would have further fragmented the
forest and facilitated incursions by domestic animals, e.g. dogs and cattle, that could negatively impact native
flora and fauna.
Plantation establishment also involves removing sources of large woody debris that provides critical habitat to
many forest- and freshwater-associated fauna.
Also in the baseline, frequent soil disturbance resulting from clearcuts, both initial clearcuts and clearcuts of
Eucalyptus plantations manage don 15 year rotations, can be expected to drive increased erosion and siltation of
freshwater and coastal marine systems. Delivery of silt-laden runoff to water bodies would be facilitated by the
newly-constructed access routes to plantations and the coastal highway (both stopped in the with-project
scenario). Water quality would also be impacted by fertilizer runoff from managed Eucalyptus plantations, leading
to eutrophication, consequent declines in dissolved oxygen and decreased light penetration in aquatic
ecosystems.
Coastal highway construction in the baseline scenario can be expected to accelerate the spread of invasive plant
species, like gorse (Ulex europaeus). The coastal highway, once operational, can be expected to result in
increased mortality of native forest mammals and amphibians through collisions with vehicles. By facilitating
access to the remote coastline of the VCR, the coastal highway would also increase levels of human disturbance
(Munoz et al., 2005a), potentially affecting species sensitive to disturbance, like the Chungungo and Southern
River Otter.
B2. Net Positive Biodiversity Impacts
B2.1
Estimation of changes in biodiversity
Measurable biodiversity indicators and monitoring and estimation procedures are detailed in the accompanying
Biodiversity Monitoring Plan. Net impacts resulting from project activities are assessed as the difference, with
respect to defined biodiversity indicators, between the without-project baseline scenario and direct-monitored
project outcomes. Indicator values for the without-project scenario are estimated applying defensible assumptions
or referencing values from relevant studies or monitoring in representative proxy areas (e.g. in established
plantations).
B2.2
Net positive impacts on biodiversity
Net impacts on biodiversity resulting from the project activity are expected to be positive, as outlined in the
baseline scenario above in Section B2.1 (all negative impacts anticipated in the baseline scenario are prevented
57
or lessened in the with-project scenario). Through promotion of the VCR, some negative impacts could result from
increased tourism, e.g. increased disturbance and waste generation, however, TNC is actively addressing these
risks (see Section G5.4) and these negative impacts would not be expected to exceed the cumulative positive
impacts of the project.
Net positive impacts on biodiversity will be demonstrated over time through periodic monitoring and reporting of
biodiversity indicators (see Biodiversity Monitoring Plan).
B2.3
Measures to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity and maintain/enhance HCVs
Potential negative impacts resulting from increased tourism are addressed through measures detailed in in SilvaRodríguez et al 2014 and Silva-Rodríguez et al 2015 (and summarized in Section G5.4 above).
A full accounting of risks and conservation strategies in the VCR is provided in Silva-Rodríguez et al 2014 and
Silva-Rodríguez et al 2015, which accompany this document. These documents also outline detailed conservation
strategies for HCVs including Alerce forest, Olivillo coastal forest, Darwin’s Fox, Guiña, Pudu and amphibians.
The overarching conservation strategy for all HCVs is protection of the VCR forest, effectuated by the original
acquisition of the VCR in 2003 by TNC and by ongoing routine patrols carried out by VCR park guards to identify
and respond to incidents of illegal logging and forest fire. Further detail on park guard patrol activities and on fire
prevention and management activities is provided in Silva-Rodríguez et al 2015 and in the VCS PD Section 4.3.
B2.4
No HCVs negatively affected by the project
Biodiversity conservation, with particular attention to HCVs, is a priority objective of the project, and it is not
anticipated that HCVs will be negatively affected by the project activity.
Absence of negative impacts on HCVs will be demonstrated over time through periodic monitoring and reporting
of HCV indicators (see Biodiversity Monitoring Plan).
B2.5
Invasive species
The project is a REDD activity and does not involve any introduction of new biological material. No known
invasive species are introduced by the project, and in fact the project activity is expected to reduce vectors of
invasives like Ulex europeaus and Rubus ulmifolius by preventing the construction of the coastal highway and
new plantation access routes.
B2.6
Non-native species
As explained in Section B2.5 above, the project does not involve any introduction of new biological material,
whether non-native species or otherwise, and the principal REDD activity of the project is stopping the
introduction of Eucalyptus globulus on 1,187 hectares of the VCR.
Un-related to the project activity, TNC has undertaken pilot restoration efforts in the VCR planting seedlings of
native species including Nothofagus dombeyii, Drimys winteri and
Tepualia stipularis.
58
B2.7
GMOs
The project uses no GMOs to generate GHG emissions reductions or removals.
B2.8
Fertilizers, chemical pesticides and biological control agents
The project uses no fertilizers, chemical pesticides, biological control agents or other inputs. By stopping industrial
plantation management throughout the VCR (in the project area and beyond), the project activity stops periodic
fertilizer application on approximately 3,500 hectares.
B2.9
Waste products
TNC implements safe practices for disposal of waste products. In handling oil from vehicle maintenance,
maintenance of VCR vehicles is contracted to Automotora de Los Ríos, located in Baquedano 229 in Valdivia,
who take all watse products to Lubricentros Semival, located in calle Vicente Pérez Rosales 1661 in Valdivia.
From Lubricentros Semival waste products are ultimately delivered to Bravo Energi
(http://www.bravoenergy.cl/index.html), which is certified by Higiene Ambiental.
B3. Offsite Biodiversity Impacts
B3.1
Potential negative impacts on biodiversity outside the project zone
Potential negative impacts on biodiversity outside the project zone that result from the project relate to
displacement of deforestation outside of the VCR (i.e. leakage). A detailed analysis of leakage from stopping
conversion of native forest for Eucalyptus plantations by industrial forest company and from stopping construction
of the coastal highway is provided in the VCS PD and monitoring results are reported in VCS monitoring reports
for 2003-2011 and 2011-2014.
B3.2
Measures to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity outside the project zone
Throughout project implementation, TNC continues to engage with the MOP and regional authorities, and in its
capacity as member since 2004 of the Technical and Legal Coordination Committee (CCTL) organized by the
National Environment Commission (CONAMA). TNC advocates for low impact re-routing alternatives to the
coastal highway, including improving existing route T470, which can satisfy transportation objectives while
reducing environmental impacts.
While TNC has no influence over the industrial forest sector in Chile, the Native Forest Law (Law 20.283/2008)
approved in December 2007, and put into effect in 2008, has effectively addressed leakage by stopping
conversion of native forest to plantation activity. The law aims to protect native forests from indiscriminate logging
and to promote sustainable forest management. Most importantly with regard to leakage from the project activity,
the law prohibits the conversion of native forests to non-native plantations, except where existing permits had
been previously issued and continue to be in effect (as in the baseline case of the project). In addition, the VCR
59
has harvested and marketed some Eucalyptus, which would be expected to reduce leakage effects elsewhere by
supplying to the forest product market.
B3.3
Evaluation of unmitigated negative impacts on biodiversity outside the project zone
Leakage due to highway re-routing, both inside and outside the VCR, is monitored and reported through
implementation of climate monitoring (see VCS PD Section 4.3, and VCS monitoring reports for 2003-2011 and
2011-2014) and the CCB Biodiversity Monitoring Plan. Assessment of project net positive impacts on biodiversity,
measured as net impact on forest cover, will take into account any deforestation attributable to this source of
leakage.
It can be expected that some un-mitigated and undetected displacement of deforestation outside of the VCR
attributable to the project takes place, however such displacement would not be expected to exceed the amount
of deforestation prevented in the VCR, thus net impacts of the project are unlikely to be negative.
B4. Biodiversity Impact Monitoring
B4.1-3 Develop, implement and disseminate a monitoring plan and the results of monitoring
indicators related to biodiversity and HCVs
Indicators B4.1, B4.2 and B4.3 are addressed in the Biodiversity Monitoring Plan that accompanies this
document. The Biodiversity Monitoring Plan will be implemented periodically (frequency of monitoring varies by
indicator) and results reported to CCBA and disseminated to Communities and Other Stakeholders identified in
this document.
GL3. Exceptional Biodiversity Benefits
GL3.1 High biodiversity conservation priority
The VCR is a site of high biodiversity conservation priority, meeting the vulnerability criteria of the CCBA
standard, defined by the presence of the following “trigger” species
Species
IUCN status
Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides)
Endangered
Darwin’s fox (Pseudalopex fulvipes)
Critically endangered
Pudú (Pudu puda)
Vulnerable with presence of an estimated >
30 individuals (see Section B1.2 above)
60
Guiña cat (Leopardus guigna)
Vulnerable with presence of an estimated >
30 individuals (see Section B1.2 above)
GL3.2 Population trends of trigger species in the project zone
Population trends of the trigger species identified in GL3.1 above are not well understood, however, it is
anticipated that these species, all associated with native forest, would suffer declines in the without-project
scenario, as explained in Section B1.3 above.
GL3.3 Measures to maintain or enhance the population status of trigger species in the project zone
Detailed conservation strategies for Alerce, Darwin’s Fox, Guiña and Pudu are provided in Silva-Rodríguez et al
2014 and Silva-Rodríguez et al 2015, which accompany this document. As explained in B2.3 above, the
overarching conservation strategy for all HCVs is protection of the VCR forest, effectuated by the original
acquisition of the VCR in 2003 by TNC and by ongoing routine patrols carried out by VCR park guards.
GL3.4 Indicators of population status of trigger species
The Biodiversity Monitoring Plan includes specific indicators for each trigger species, that will be monitored and
reported periodically to assess the impacts of project conservation actions. Indicators and sampling approaches
are detailed in Section 7 of the Biodiversity Monitoring Plan, and summarized below.
Trigger species
Monitoring indicators
Alerce
Presence/absence and frequency of occurrence via
forest inventory in the project area
Darwin’s Fox
Presence/absence and frequency of observation via
camera traps in the project zone
Guiña
Presence/absence and frequency of observation via
camera traps in the project zone
Pudu
Presence/absence and frequency of observation via
camera traps in the project zone
61
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