In southern Chile there has been progress in promoting sustainable use of firewood, according to a seminar organized by the National Environmental Commission and other agencies Nov. 11-12 in the city of Teuco, 670 km south of Santiago. Firewood is the main domestic fuel used in the southern part of the country, but there are problems that undercut its renewable characteristics, said the conference participants. Temuco has experienced periods of severe air pollution because of the massive use of firewood.

In Valdivia, 835 km south of the capital, a pilot program for certification is being developed to ensure that consumers have access to firewood coming from well-managed forests.