The university professor and senator received a special award during the General Assembly of the Chilean Society of Forest Sciences, within the framework of the 9th Chilean Congress of Forest Sciences held in Valdivia. This honor highlights her extensive academic and professional career, during which she was a pioneer in the field of forestry engineering and nature conservation.
The Distinguished Academic and University Senator from the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Nature Conservation of the University of Chile, Professor Carmen Luz de la Maza, was honored with a special award at the 9th Chilean Congress of Forest Sciences, held in Valdivia. The ceremony, chaired by the President of the Chilean Society of Forestry Sciences (SOCIFOR), Cristian Salas Aljatib, was held during the Society’s General Assembly and included important figures from the country’s forestry and academic fields.
Professor de la Maza has extensive professional experience in forest science in Chile. She was one of the first women to qualify as a forestry engineer in the country, marking a milestone for the University of Chile and opening paths for future generations of women in the sector. Throughout his career, he has stood out not only for his teaching and research work, but also for his contribution to shaping conservation and sustainable development policies, particularly in wilderness area management and environmental impact assessment.
“I truly love what I do, which is why I am grateful for this award. This honor is an example of how sustained work and commitment to research can positively impact the development of an important field such as the management of our forest resources and forests,” Professor de la Maza said during the awards ceremony in which Virtually attended by: “Environmental Conservation”.
The specialist has been a key voice in highlighting the difficulties faced by women in academia and in forestry, promoting equality and inclusion in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Throughout her career, Professor de la Maza has been involved in numerous research projects and published more than 80 scientific and extension articles, both nationally and internationally. In addition, she has been invited to lecture at various universities and institutions around the world, addressing issues of biodiversity conservation, protected area systems, and ecosystem services. Her pioneering approach to the economic valuation of nature has been fundamental in developing the methodologies currently used to manage protected areas and evaluate the ecological benefits of these spaces.
SOCIFOR President, Cristian Salas Aljatip, highlighted the impact of Professor de la Maza’s career on forestry and academia in Chile: “Professor Carmen Luz de la Maza is not only a pioneer in the field of forestry engineering in Chile, but also his influence and commitment to conservation and training… New professionals leave an indelible mark on forest science in the country.
In addition to her academic work, Professor de la Maza has played important leadership roles within the University of Chile, as the first Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation Sciences. Between 2014 and 2022, her stewardship as Dean has been essential to strengthening the relationship between academia and society, and promoting projects and initiatives that respond to the challenges of climate change and the need for greater sustainability in natural resource management.
This award from the Chilean Congress of Forestry Sciences represents recognition not only of her extensive and successful career, but also of her role as a mentor and inspiration to generations of forestry and environmental professionals in Chile.
Michael Siegel is a journalist from Germany
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