In a significant initiative to combat the increasing threat of forest fires, approximately 350 individuals from 68 communities participated in training organized by the National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor) in collaboration with the National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Devida) and the Regional Government of Ucayali.
Held in five key locations—Aguaytía, San Alejandro, Curimaná, Nueva Requena, and Neshuya—the workshops aimed to enhance local capacities to prevent and mitigate forest fires that annually impact the Ucayali region. The training was crucial for local farmers, particularly in protecting cacao crops, which are vital for their livelihoods.
Carlos Figueroa Henostroza, executive president of Devida, emphasized the importance of these workshops, stating, “The goal is to raise awareness among farmers about fire prevention to protect their cacao parcels. We aim for these practices to be replicated in their communities.”
Regional authorities, including Nelly Paredes Del Castillo from Serfor and Ucayali Governor Manuel Gambini Rupay, highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard ecosystems from fire damage. Governor Gambini noted the additional threats posed by climate change, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In addition to the training, Devida and Serfor distributed 69 prevention kits to five native communities and 18 settlements across seven departments, equipping them with essential resources to tackle potential fires. Recent reports indicated that six hectares of cacao crops were lost due to fires, prompting Devida to provide support to affected families.
This comprehensive approach not only focuses on immediate fire prevention but also emphasizes reforestation and strengthening local capacities to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience against environmental threats.