Aclara has proposed and designed a series of steps to achieve a sustainable operation:
(1) Adaptation of the Extraction Zone to promote the preservation of the Biological Corridor: Aclara proposes a design with six Extraction Zones. The proposed Alexandra zone features a biological corridor that cuts through the zone. This proposal, which reduces the surface of extraction by approximately 8%, focuses on achieving a biological connection between the species in the Conservation Category, between the upper and lower part of the stream. The company also proposes further conservation efforts in this area through the planting of native species along this ravine.
(2) Safety Buffer to keep the habitat of the Native Preservation Forest and/or any Species in the Conservation Category untouched: Among the most threatened endemic forest species that still exist in Chilean territory, two stand out: the Queule (Gomortega keule) and the Pitao (Pitavia punctata). Aclara commits to safeguard these species. Studies suggest that the safe area to avoid affecting the species in the conservation category is 30 meters, to ensure their survival and to avoid affecting the reproduction of the trees in this category. However, the project is conservatively adding an extra 10-meter buffer, totaling 40 meters of distance, in which no type of activity would be carried out. Further environmental studies are underway to provide additional evidence to support this safety distance, ahead of a new Environmental Impact Assessment submission.
(3) Reforestation of native species: Aclara pledges to take actions that go beyond regulatory compliance. An example of this is the proposal to reforest 130 hectares, with accompanying native species of the Queule and the Pitao. Each time the operation of an Extraction Zone is completed, it will be revegetated, allowing the enrichment of surfaces. It is important to note though, that the species under the Conservation Category are found only at the bottom of the creeks in the area, not in the project lands.
(4) Voluntary Environmental Protection Commitments
· Protection and Monitoring of the Native Preservation Forest: The goal is to train and inform about the existence and care of the preservation forests adjacent to the Project's area of influence (AOI). It includes the monitoring of the area to guarantee that the native preservation forest and/or species in the conservation category will not be affected by the development of the Project.
· Rescue and Conservation of the Queule and Pitao trees: Aclara proposes to plant these species in the reforestation areas for the project, not only where they are currently present, extending their habitat.
· Multipurpose Rehabilitation Area: Aclara would like to build an area close to the commercial plant that would act as a multipurpose rehabilitation area, where reconversion to native forests and/or native preservation forests is promoted through passive and active actions. Additionally, in order to encourage environmental education activities, the company proposes adding a trail, stairs, railings, walkways and signage in this area. This pledge would invite the participation of local non-governmental organizations, such as foundations linked to the conservation of endangered plant species.
· Fauna Reproduction Center: The center would focus on the Southern Pudú species due to its importance at the regional and national levels. The southern pudu is characterized by being the second smallest deer in the world. Pudús have been classified as an 'endangered' species due to the destruction of their rain forest habitat for cattle ranching and increased human activity.
· Roads: The Project will give priority to the use of existing roads, thus minimizing new roads, and consequently, the effect on fauna. The Project will not enable any new roads to pass through the Native Preservation Forest units. In addition, dust suppressants will be applied to the surface of the roads to increase their longevity and decrease maintenance costs.
