CHILE

Forest protecting against snow avalanches

The problem

Snow avalanches threaten towns, people and transport systems in many mountainous regions throughout the world. Chile is prone to a multitude of geological and hydro-meteorological disasters, which are increasing in frequency and intensity as a result of climatic variability and change. Avalanches comprise a silent threat with increasing number of people being exposed in the Nevados de Chillán – Laguna Del Laja Biosphere Reserve.

EPIC’s solution

EPIC is promoting the use of forest for avalanche risk management in this area. Working alongside the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), research is being conducted to gather knowledge on forest-avalanche interactions in Chile. The models produced will inform on the protective and risk reduction effects of forest ecosystems and provide decision support on land-use planning and forest management.