Successful Bosque Panul Assembly
More than 80 people attended this new Forest Assembly, held on Sunday, September 7, in the forest itself, where various residents and organizational representatives were present from 4 p.m. onward.
More than 80 people attended this new Forest Assembly, held on Sunday, September 7, in the forest itself, where various residents and organizational representatives were present from 4 p.m. onward.
Last Sunday the community gathered in Panul to dialogue and begin concretely building the future Community Park. The open event organized by Red Precordillera drew a strong turnout, reflecting the commitment that has been growing in the community since the Carnival March of August 16.
On this occasion, a summary was presented of the work done in previous assemblies, which forms the basis of the Community Park project: an organic use of the forest, comprising hiking trails, educational zones, recreation areas, bike paths, barbecue facilities, parking, and of course ecosystem conservation areas — all so that those of us who enjoy it can take care of it and respect one another as we pass through the precordillera.
The emphasis of this event was on the various actions and contributions that residents can make or offer to protect and maintain the nascent Community Park. Notably, a new initiative emerged from a group of residents who are forming an "Emergency Brigade" to respond rapidly and assist in cases of wildfires or emergencies within the forest.
At the end of the day, after the presentation of the conflict, discussion of the park proposal from previous assemblies, and the various contributions offered by participants to the cause, the new sign at the forest entrance was unveiled:
"Welcome to Panul, Community Park"
In this way begins the historic first community park in Chile, which we hope to continue building together as an organized and active community.
We know this path is full of new and forgotten lessons, but we also know this is the opportunity to rediscover them and create together as a community — because the demand and response we as residents have goes beyond expropriating the land that shelters Bosque Panul (bearing in mind that in November the construction freeze at the municipality expires and the real estate company will have no legal impediments to submitting a new project to destroy Panul). Rather, it is about being an alternative path to the system and the economy — which, rather than protecting the environment to meet human needs, has been distorted into the exploitation of territory for accumulation. This is why we invite you to join the initiative: to propose rather than just criticize, to participate rather than just comment, to protect what is yours and not leave it in anyone else's hands — so that this Community Park may be born from and for the community, where your voice and action are part of the planning of the territory and the care of Santiago's last urban forest.
We thank all those who attended and participated in this very important event. A call to a new assembly and work proposals is coming soon.
Because Panul saves us — Forest or Death!
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The information archived in Archivo Panul was collected using automated tools, so there may be inconsistencies between what is presented here and the original link. You can visit the original link at the top of this article.