Recently, a study conducted by researchers from the **University of Chile** has highlighted the urgent need to adopt innovative approaches to **preserve native species**.
This study emphasizes that, although the country has implemented [various conservation policies](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/fondos-para-la-conservacion-de-los-bosques-nativos-en-jujuy/), more comprehensive and science-based strategies are required to address the **biodiversity crisis**.
Through this report, experts propose a series of actions that include the use of new technologies, **habitat restoration**, and greater involvement of local communities in conservation processes.
## Viverization and strategies for native species at risk
Betsabé Abarca Rojas, Project Engineer and Research Assistant at the Seed and Forest Tree Production Center (CESAF) of the Faculty of Forestry Sciences and Nature Conservation, has dedicated 2025 to conducting two research projects focused on the conservation of emblematic species such as **guayacán and algarrobo**, both threatened by desertification and human pressure.
In an interview with the Qué Pasa portal, she points out the key points of the pioneering research.
For her, the importance of this study lies in the fact that, unprecedentedly, it analyzes the **complete cycle of these native species**, given that most studies focus on a single stage of the process.
“Viverization, plant acclimatization, planting, and post-planting evaluation, which we want to continue evaluating over the years. In general, studies generate information about some parts of this real chain of action, however, the current trend is to find answers for the complete cycle of certain processes or in the long term”.
## Importance of viverization
Chile, due to its geographical shape, faces **various types of climates**. The arid zone is one of the most affected by climate change, desertification, and human activity. These regions are characterized by **low water availability**, scarce and irregular rainfall, and high evaporation.
They often have nutrient-poor soils and vegetation adapted to drought, such as cacti, thorny shrubs, and resilient trees like algarrobo and guayacán. Despite their extreme conditions, they harbor **unique biodiversity** and play a crucial role in **ecological balance**. However, these areas face threats, making their conservation and sustainable management essential.
In this context, viverization is mentioned, which corresponds to the process of creating and maintaining nurseries, where young plants or seeds are grown, to then transplant them into their **natural habitat** or other locations.
Simply put, it’s like “raising” plants in a safe place until they are strong enough to grow on their own in nature. It is widely used to [conserve endangered species](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/tres-loros-habladores-de-la-region-del-amazonas-fueron-ingresados-al-centro-de-conservacion-de-vida-silvestre/) or restore damaged areas.
The guayacán is known for its dense and resistant wood. Its growth is slow, and its adaptation to dry environments makes it a key species in these ecosystems. It has small, leathery leaves that help it retain water, and its blue or violet flowers are highly attractive to pollinators.
In addition to its **ecological importance**, the guayacán has been valued for its medicinal properties and its use in making tools and furniture. However, due to **deforestation** and climate change, its conservation has become a priority.
This is why Betsabé Abarca created a plan with specialized techniques to improve its reforestation. She explains that the success of the **plantations of Porlieria chilensis** (guayacán) depends on knowing the site requirements and viverization that this species needs to ensure better performance at its destination, from water requirements to soil structure and type.
## Circa situm plan: conserving algarrobo from its habitat
In a study along the same lines, the circa situm plan emerges, an innovative initiative on the **conservation of algarrobo**. It is a resilient tree that grows in arid and semi-arid areas, known for its ability to survive in dry and nutrient-poor soils. Its deep roots allow it to extract water from underground layers, and its foliage provides shade and **protection against erosion**.
There are different species, such as **white algarrobo and black algarrobo**, which are essential for the ecosystems where they live. In addition, their fruits, the algarrobas, are a source of food for animals and humans, used in flours, beverages, and even as fodder. Due to its ecological and economic importance, its conservation is key to prevent soil degradation and maintain **biodiversity**.
The researcher outlines the most important points of this pioneering plan for the **conservation of native species**, linked to the relationship sought to be established between communities and awareness of the importance of preserving flora.
“It is the ability to execute conservation in the same or similar habitat of the species to be protected, the maintenance of genetic diversity, and the connection with society to **conserve genetic resources**. While circa situm conservation allows diversifying conservation actions or strategies, generating a more flexible approach, in my opinion, being able to carry out these actions closer to communities is essential to **improve the success of conservation strategies**”.
It is a fact that this work is a significant advancement, but for Betsabé, there is still a long way to go, especially in the need to keep updating knowledge in this growing phenomenon of **deforestation**.
“Understanding the processes of change in which we are immersed is important. We live in a changing climate, therefore, research is crucial to understand and take more appropriate actions for the species in our forests, which have adapted to the sites they inhabit for many years, but these habitats have changed rapidly in the last century”, she asserts.
“Perhaps some species will follow this path of adaptation and be more resistant to the major changes in our ecosystems, however, others may not cope with this accelerated pace of changes, and here is the important role of research: to seek to **link nature with human action** to aid its continuity”, she concludes.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
