Lima, December 16 (EFE) - Authorities in Peru are proposing an "integral and effective" plan for the restoration of ecosystems damaged by wildfires that have impacted several regions in recent months, as reported by the National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor).
The agency, part of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), stated in a release that the aim is to promote "coordinated work" with regional and local governments to ensure the sustainability of forests and other natural vegetation ecosystems.
In this regard, Serfor has enhanced the capabilities for developing ecosystem restoration plans in municipalities across the departments of Amazonas, San Martín, Ucayali, Cajamarca, Huánuco, and Lambayeque.
Forest restoration expert Alberto Mamaní emphasized that the goal is for local governments to have a preliminary version of their restoration plans or projects, while also strengthening techniques such as assisted natural regeneration, reforestation with native species, erosion control, soil stabilization, ecological enrichment, and controlled burning.
Serfor's executive director, Erasmo Otárola, highlighted the importance of working with local governments, as they are directly in contact with the territories and communities, many of whom depend on the resources provided by forests.
"Therefore, we seek to restore these affected ecosystems through reforestation and revegetation, while also promoting natural regeneration, ensuring these ecosystems can become even better and continue to provide sustainable resources," he added.
These actions are framed within the supreme decrees that declared a state of emergency in 46 districts across 23 provinces in the departments of Amazonas, San Martín, Ucayali, Cajamarca, Huánuco, and Lambayeque due to the damage caused by wildfires.
The National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci) reported on November 25 that there were 1,754 wildfires in Peru this year, resulting in the deaths of 35 people, injuries to 285 others, and the destruction of 63,710 hectares of natural cover and 14,971 hectares of crops.