Last Sunday, September 15, a training workshop was held for the prevention of forest fires, which plays a fundamental role in the fight for the preservation of our forests. This event, the result of collaborative work between BAM, the National Amazonian University of Madre de Dios (UNAMAD) and the XVI Fire Department of Madre de Dios, brought together a diverse group of participants committed to the protection of biodiversity in the Peruvian Amazon at their farm at km 16.5 in Loboyoc.
The workshop: Development of theoretical and practical fundamentals
This event reinforces the importance of caring for and preserving our forests and their invaluable biodiversity, fulfilling the objectives of the forest conservation training project.
The workshop was developed in two main parts. First, essential theoretical concepts about fire were addressed, including its composition, generation and the components necessary for its initiation. In addition, practices to avoid in order to prevent forest fires in the most efficient and sustainable manner, key information for safeguarding our ecosystems, were highlighted.
The second part of the workshop took place at the UNAMAD nursery, where a practical field exercise was carried out. Participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the tools used to fight forest fires, providing them with a practical understanding of how to act in case of emergency.
REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions project participants and partners
Eight brave firefighters from the XVI Comandancia de Bomberos de Madre de Dios, who shared their knowledge and experience in fire management, collaborated in the workshop. The team from the REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions conservation project also joined in and played a crucial role in the organization and execution of the workshop. Among the 19 participants were UNAMAD students, Castañero partners and their children, men and women committed to the cause. At the end of the workshop, certificates of participation were awarded in recognition of their dedication and knowledge learned.
“I would like to thank the team for inviting me to this important fire workshop. It was very interesting to learn about firefighters. We did do a practical part and it was unforgettable, we all participated!“ – Bethy Antas, president of the Association of Organic Brazil Nut Collectors of Madre de Dios (ARCOMAD).
“I lived closely for more than once the case of forest fires, trying to control the fire with actions of ideas that occurred to me at the time. The course was a very useful experience. With the guidance received both theoretically and practically I will be able to face possible fires with more caution and effectiveness in order to take care of the integrity of people and forests.“ – Julio Farfán, son of a partner in the REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions project.
Other initiatives: strengthening the capabilities of our partners
To further strengthen our contribution to forest fire prevention, this workshop joins other outstanding initiatives. Among them, a presentation by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist Carlos Huamán, who is part of the project team. This presentation took place in the village of Mavila in Madre de Dios, specifically for REDD+ BN partners. They were informed about the different hot spots that occur in the area and the risks associated with the current climatic conditions.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates our commitment to the training and empowerment of our members, providing them with the necessary tools to perform their work effectively. We are also proud to involve new generations of members, who will be the future guardians of our chestnut groves and the biodiversity that surrounds them.
More about BAM
Importantly, this workshop represents a milestone in our mission to protect the Amazon forests and their inhabitants. Thanks to the collaboration with UNAMAD and the dedication of all participants, we are one step closer to guaranteeing a sustainable future for our region.
The REDD+ BN conservation project developed by BAM works hand in hand with more than 700 partner families in Madre de Dios to protect more than 500,000 hectares of forest and its extraordinary biodiversity.
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BAM, private investment for a sustainable world.
By: Valeria Drinot
