The species were donated by a private entity and will be used in the arborization plan developed by the Department of Biology for different campuses of the University.

The species received were Peumos (Cryptocarya Alba), Carob Trees (Prosopis Chilensis), Capers or Quebrachos (Senna Candolleana), Red Cuncos (Colettia Ulicina), Molles (Schinus latifolius) and Stipas. The person in charge of receiving this donation was the academic and researcher from the Department of Biology, Dr. Cristian Ibáñez, who was also in charge of setting up a greenhouse prepared with an automatic solar irrigation system by micro-sprinkling, which will maintain the permanent hydration of the each plant, so that they gradually acclimatize to their new environment until May of next year, when they will finally be part of the reforestation process of each campus of the University of La Serena.

Ibáñez highlighted that “this donation is very important, because we will be able to continue with a tree planting program that we have been implementing a couple of years ago, and that will allow us to reforest the university campuses, including Ovalle with native trees that also have the great advantage of being trees with low water requirements.”

The academic added that “in particular, we are also interested in evaluating our carbon footprint and how the incorporation of all these trees on campus will help us reduce our footprint and perhaps, who knows in the not too distant future, be a carbon neutral university. ”.

After the months of acclimatization, the reforestation project will begin next year, which will be carried out together with officials, academics, and students from each campus to achieve a collaborative activity with the participation of the entire university community.  

Source: Ineergies Press