Guarayos hosts first Chiquitania and Amazonia forest firefighter meeting

Ascensión de Guarayos is hosting the "First Meeting of Risk Management Units and Volunteer Firefighters of the Chiquitania and Southern Amazonia." The event brings together around 200 forest firefighters from various municipalities, including Concepción, San Javier, San Ignacio de Velasco, El Puente, and Urubichá, along with the host municipality. This gathering aims to foster collaboration and strengthen regional efforts in combating forest fires.

The meeting, taking place over Thursday, August 13, and Friday, August 14, is organized with the support of the Municipal Government of Ascensión de Guarayos and involves entities such as Cipca, WWF, Fautapo, IBIF, Usaka, the Authority of Forests and Lands (ABT), and the Departmental Government of Santa Cruz. The primary focus is on "twinning" efforts to enhance fire prevention, monitoring, and the exchange of experiences, ultimately designing joint preventive strategies.

Yazmina Muztafá, from the Risk Management Unit of Ascensión de Guarayos, emphasized the need for collective action, stating, "We have to work together, joining forces, because fire knows no limits or jurisdiction." This sentiment highlights the cross-border nature of wildfire threats and the importance of coordinated responses.

In addition to the collaborative discussions, the Authority of Forests and Lands (ABT) will provide Ascensión de Guarayos with essential equipment to combat potential fires. This includes two water tankers, a pickup truck, and a quad bike, aimed at bolstering the municipality's capacity to respond effectively during this high-risk season. The initiative underscores a commitment to equipping local response teams and improving preparedness against forest fires in the region.