Chilean transnational forestry companies in South America

land grabbing and socio-environmental conflicts

Abstract

This article analyzes the expansion of Chilean transnational forestry companies and examine their relationship with socio-environmental conflict processes in South America, considering the protection of lands generated by the capitalist dynamics and the mechanisms of appropriation. The research methodology is based primarily on a predominantly qualitative dimensional approach to the expansion of Chilean forestry TNCs, support on a bibliographic review, national laws and decrees, and information from the companies themselves. Furthermore, newspaper sources, reports from environmental organizations and interviews with key actors were used. The main conclusions show the adoption of both legal-political and economic mechanisms for the protection of lands and the expansion of companies, in addition to the adoption of different business strategies in the face of socio-environmental conflict.