MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Twelve years to recover Torres del Paine

A twelve year program for the restoration of Chile's most renowned national park, Torres del Paine which suffered a devastating blaze that destroyed several thousands hectares of pristine wildlife was approved this week in Punta Arenas.

Magallanes Region Environmental Office approved the program involving approximately 7,5 million US dollars presented by the National Forestry Corporation.

The funds will be provided by Chile's Ministry of Agriculture, regional government of Magallanes, the Czech government and a German forest promotion agency, according to Maria Luisa Ojeda CEO from the Magallanes Environmental Office.

"The project is programmed in four stages which we hope will return the Park, in twelve years time, to conditions before last summer's blaze", added Ms. Ojeda.

The first goal is to restore surface vegetation in the open areas and the different tree species damaged by the fire which took a whole month to stamp out.

Another top priority is mounting a forest fire prevention system so there's no repeat of the last season, and no further surprises inside the most forested areas of the park, which went unscathed during the February blaze.

The fire was concentrated to less than 5% of Torres del Paine's park area and was started by a young Czech camper.