The Chilean forestry industry oftenly appraises their alleged sustainable practices, but its extensive use of space has sparked socio-environmental concerns. The conversion of central and southern Chilean forests into agricultural areas and monocultures is one of the key issues. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) offer a potential solution, promoting sustainable development while maintaining biodiversity. This study explores the role of NTFPs, focusing on derivatives of the endemic species Gevuina avellana, to foster eco-industrial development in Chile. Using the sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA), the study assesses the perspectives of G. avellana collectors and producers in the Biobío Region through a semi-structured survey of experts and indigenous producers. The findings reveal the cultural and economic significance of G. avellana, highlighting the unique approaches taken by different producer groups based on social and economic sustainability factors. The research underscores the role of NTFPs in environmental sustainability, particularly from an indigenous perspective, where sustainable practices help prevent over-exploitation. These insights point towards innovative strategies for environmental and cultural conservation that can encourage integration and cooperation among diverse cultures. The study also examines the potential disruption caused by “eco-industries” and suggests ways to support sustainable NTFP production.