Title: Forestry Education and Professional Practice in Chile

Time: Thur. May 08, 2025, 7–8 PM Pacific Time  (Vancouver)

Speaker: Prof. Pablo I. Becerra

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Forestry Engineer with a Ph.D. in Ecological Sciences

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Prof. Pablo I. Becerra

My research focuses on vegetation ecology, particularly the roles of climate, biotic interactions, and disturbances—especially wildfires—in vegetation regeneration and successional processes. I am also interested in developing ecological restoration strategies for degraded environments. Most of my research has been conducted in Mediterranean-type ecosystems in central Chile. Currently, I teach Forest Ecology and Plant Biodiversity at the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Systems of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Since last year, I have also served as Director of the Forestry Engineering Program at the Faculty.

Abstract

The presentation will begin with an overview of the types and distribution of forests and other ecosystems of forestry interest in Chile, along with a brief summary of the process of degradation and loss of forest ecosystems in the country. Secondly, the talk will outline the various professional paths currently pursued by forestry engineers in Chile. Finally, it will present the undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities for forestry education in Chile, and explain how the forestry education program at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile is designed to encompass the full range of forestry-related activities in which students may become engaged.