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to have existed in some sectors of the island have disappeared.
To reconstruct the flora is a challenge.
Something has been made in the last thirty years [1952-1982], but it seems possible to
do much more. To investigate about the most advisable species, to select the variety that
adapts better to the climate, to look for the best uses of the wood, the flowers, the leaves,
the fruits, the essences, the saps, etc., in relation to the micro-climatic characteristics, the
exposition to the wind and the height.
The plotting in self-sufficient agricultural units seems to be recommendable in the re-
conquest of an agrarian economic activity. The intensive use of soils seems to be the way
towards the recovery of aflora of greater density, height and varietywith acceptable economic
yields and suitable commercialization. An intensive use of the ground that contemplates a
great human care of each species, with plagues control and abundance of fertilizers. It
would mean to transform the island into multiple breeding grounds intimately related to a
careful and responsible population that, with affection, would reconstruct the vegetal soils
and species, it all bound to mini-systems of water harvesting for the irrigation of the land
and the use of the vegetal and animal remainders.
Something like this can be seen in some gardens of the houses of Hanga-Roa and in the
colony of the lepers.
A great farm, like the one that presently exists (Vaitea), only allows cultures and extensive
raisings that do not seem to contributemuch to the reconstruction of the forest and botanical
landscape of the island.
The colonization of plots is fundamental for the success of this enterprise. The inhabitants
who settle in it cannot be only watching and awaiting for the generosity of the State. It is
essential to look for loving Earth men, cultivators by tradition, with great initiative and
knowledge of their work. Strong, active and mighty men who want to see their land rich and
productive.
The Farming And Forest Island must find a special understanding with the Fishing Island
to obtain foods for its animals and birds and to fertilize its soil.
The climate of the island allows to investigate numerous tropical agricultural headings that
practically do not exist in Chile, supplying important part of the national consumption,
provided that some form of load of return in boats and airplanes is found to diminish the
transport costs.
The cultures of bananas, banana trees, coconuts, mangos, paw paws, grenades, pineapples,
dates, etc. seem possible.
In this same way, some precious, fine and hard tropical wood could be sought for, which
have great value in the construction, furniture and cabinetmaking.
The most traditional cultures also seem possible, and the search of fibrous species, of
medicinal plants and of essences, sweet grapevines, of coffee, mate, tea, cacao, tobacco, etc.
does not have to be discarded either
It all can be a contribution to the surroundings and the gastronomy of the Tourist Island.