Joint effort with communities in Alto Parapetí boosts forest fire prevention

TotalEnergies in Bolivia is spearheading an inter-institutional campaign to bolster forest fire prevention and response efforts in the Alto Parapetí region, an area highly vulnerable to such incidents. The initiative brings together various stakeholders, including public institutions, Guaraní communities of Lagunillas, and private landowners, focusing on areas surrounding the Incahuasi Gas Processing Plant and its wells.

The annual campaign, conducted between July and August, involves key participants such as the Forest and Land Authority (ABT), the Cordillera Province Sub-governorship, the Sararenda Protected Area, the Municipal Government of Lagunillas, the Guaraní communities of the Alto Parapetí Indigenous Territory, and private property owners. This collaboration underscores TotalEnergies' commitment to environmental protection and the safety of populations near its operations.

Horacio Tapia, Manager of Quality, Safety, Health, Sustainability, and Environment at TotalEnergies in Bolivia, highlighted the necessity of multi-actor participation for effective fire prevention. He stated, "We promote training, coordination, and awareness spaces that strengthen local capacities and contribute to protecting natural resources and communities in our area of influence."

This campaign continues the work initiated in 2020, following devastating fires near the Incahuasi Plant. Since TotalEnergies EP Bolivie established a strategic alliance with the mentioned institutions, no fires have been recorded in the communities adjacent to the company's operational area since 2021. Tapia emphasized the crucial role of community leaders, brigadistas, and young people in fostering a culture of prevention and environmental care. The article also notes the severe impact of forest fires across Bolivia in recent years, with over 10 million hectares burned in 2024, though a decrease was observed in 2025.

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We promote training, coordination, and awareness spaces that strengthen local capacities and contribute to protecting natural resources and communities in our area of influence.