MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Poor services” in Torres del Payne Park.

With the purpose of strengthening links between the private sector and the Chilean Forestry Corporation, CONAF that manages Torres del Payne Park, local operators recently formed the Tourist Chamber of Torres del Payne.

"I think we should never forget the founding reasons for the Park which is the preservation and conservation of a unique environment and landscape, and under no circumstances must it become a money making institution to finance the Forestry Corporation needs", said Juan Mac Lean president of the new Tourist Chamber who added that the only way to solve problems is having a good relationship between local businesses and government institutions.

Mr. Mac Lean said that instead of judging the management of the Park so far, he would be more inclined to ask what would have happened if vast extensions of the region had not been protected in their natural condition.

"Today we have wild life and autochthonous trees, all of which are well protected from farming and other human activities", remarked Mr. Mac Lean who stressed he was contrary to the opening of new roads or paths in the Park since "we have to be most respectful, each road is a new wound, a new invasion of the Park".

Similarly Mr. Mac Lean said he rejected the idea of paving existing roads and routes in the Park and the "most honest way to decide this would be to ask our clients, visitors and tourists what they think about this initiative".

Mr. Mac Lean was critical of the quality of some local services both in the Park and in Torres del Payne community, and also complained about the different ticket pricing for visitors and locals.

"When you invite somebody home you try your best, with the Park is the same; the fact that people forget the poor quality and expense of local services because of the beauty of the Park does not mean we should not work to better them. On the contrary that is my first task; convince local authorities to improve services, even before making claims to CONAF. The same goes for ticket "discrimination" if we want to be honest with tourists".

Regarding complaints from local farmers about losses caused by protected fauna in the Park, Mr. Mac Lean said "they should remember how much tourism has done for the area and how much the value of their land has increased because of the Park". Finally Mr. Mac Lean underlined that environmental friendly practices are essential for the preservation and conservation of the Park.

"Tourist saturation, fires, pollution, introduction of plants and seed contrary to the ecosystem must be carefully watched. As local businessmen who profit from the Park, we must be in the frontline to ensure that nothing of that happens, for the good of the region and every one of us. We are very lucky and we must learn to respect nature and be grateful".