Photo: Amazonas Regional Environmental Authority
In order to address one of the greatest environmental and social threats in the Amazon region, the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) and the Regional Government of Amazonas held a capacity-building workshop on forest fires as part of the actions of the Regional Forestry and Wildlife Control and Surveillance Board, which is supported by Profonanpe through the financial mechanism of the Joint Declaration of Intent (JIU).
The workshops, held on May 7 and 8, brought together more than 30 participants, including public servants, community leaders and civil society representatives, who strengthened their capacities to prevent and respond to forest fires through sustainable alternatives.
A problem that requires immediate action
Forest fires are a recurring problem in the country: in 2024 alone, 41,146 hectares of vegetation cover and 11,644 hectares of crops were reported lost nationwide, according to INDECI. In light of this situation, the Government published Supreme Decree No. 097-2024-PCM, which declares a state of emergency in the districts of Amazonas, San Martin and Ucayali, demonstrating the urgency of implementing preventive strategies.
Practical organizational workshop on forest fire prevention, May 8, 2025 (Photo: Amazonas Regional Environmental Authority).
Preventive actions and response to forest fires
The workshop combined technical presentations with field demonstrations led by SERFOR specialists to meet the following objectives:
- To inform about alternatives for not burning in the high Andean zone and in the Amazon.
- Identify and promote the responsibility and participation of local stakeholders.
- Contribute to the strengthening of inter-institutional groups and/or committees.
Participants received theoretical and practical training on alternatives to stubble and pasture burning, such as the use of agricultural residues to produce food with biofertilizers and the implementation of agroforestry systems. They were also trained in the organization of brigades for first response to forest fires and in the proper use of tools and personal protection equipment.
Participants are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to develop forest fire prevention actions in their communities, thus contributing to the protection of the environment and the well-being of the population of Amazonas.
Workshop for the prevention of forest fires, May 7, 2025 (Photo: Amazonas Regional Environmental Authority)
Regarding the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) – Phase 2
The Joint Declaration of Intent is a voluntary cooperation agreement signed by the governments of Peru, Norway, and Germany in 2014 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. The United Kingdom joined in the addendum signed for the period 2021–2025.
The DCI is led by the Ministry of the Environment and implemented by Profonanpe as the financial mechanism, with the participation of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, through SERFOR; the Ministry of Culture; the regional governments of San Martín, Huánuco, Ucayali, Loreto, Amazonas, and Madre de Dios; and the indigenous organizations AIDESEP, CONAP, and ANECAP. It also receives funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). Learn more here.
