In the heart of the National Park of Alece Consteroin southern Chile, lives one of the oldest living beings on the planet: the Gran Abueloan Alece (Fitzroya Cupressaides) which according to experts has about 5400 years And it is the oldest tree in the world. However, this authentic monument of nature is today at the center of a heated environmental debate, due to a infrastructure project which could irreparably compromise its habitat.
The Chilean government has in fact proposed to reopen one old Maderera roadtransforming it into one new highway To better connect the cities of the Region and, according to the official narrative, stimulate tourism. However, local scientists and activists question the real motivation behind the work. According to them, it would be a plan for facilitate access to precious natural resourcesin particular the Wood by Alececonsidered among the most resistant and long -lived in the world.
Jonathan BarichivichChilean climatologist and scholar of the Gran Abuelo, claims that the new pathway would bring straight to the port of Corrala strategic junction for the export of cellulose. His concern is shared by many other experts who denounce potential ecological risksincluding the increase in forest firesphenomenon often linked to the construction of roads in forest areas.
The Gran Abuelo is a species in danger and must be protected!
It’s not just about protecting a tree, but An entire fragile ecosystemwhere each element plays a fundamental role. The Gran Abuelo is one species in danger And he lives in an area so far preserved thanks to his inaccessibility. The construction of a road would change everything, opening the door to an exploitation that could cause irreversible damage.
The Alers are also extraordinary natural archives: thanks to the growth rings, scholars manage to reconstruct Thousands of years of climate change. For this reason their conservation has a value that goes far beyond the Chilean border: it concerns the future of global climate and of the world biodiversity.
After a wave of criticism and a letter published in the magazine Sciencethe project was momentarily suspendedbut the battle to save the Gran Abuelo is far from over. Saving this green patriarch means protecting a living memory of our planet.
