© IDMA
In March, six communities in the Mariño River micro-basin (Apurímac) received specialized equipment for dealing with forest fires as part of the proposed creation of the Rontoccocha Regional Conservation Area (RCA).
The specialized clothing and tools included items such as boots, firefighter suits, protective glasses, helmets, firefighting equipment, forest shovels, Pulaski axes, rakes and gloves, which are of great help in mitigating forest fires in the event that they occur again.
This delivery is part of a joint effort being made since 2024 by the Institute for Development and Environment (IDMA) – Apurimac program, with the support of PROFONANPE and the participation of the Regional Government of Apurimac to strengthen prevention and response to forest fires.
Formal delivery of firefighting equipment
During the event, the director of IDMA Apurímac, Yerssey Caballero Palomino, highlighted the importance of providing communities with adequate tools for fire prevention and firefighting.
Xiomara Iruri Robles, RCA specialist representing the Regional Management of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (GRRNGMA), reaffirmed the Regional Government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental safety.
Jaime Valenzuela Trujillo, representative of the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP – SN Ampay), offered recommendations on the correct use and maintenance of the equipment delivered.
After his words, the equipment was verified and formally handed over, and the signing of the Act of Reception took place, which guarantees the commitment to the proper use and management of the material received.
The event took place at the IDMA Apurimac office, and was attended by representatives of SERNANP – SN Ampay, GRRNGMA, the Service Provider Company EMUSAP Abancay – MERESE and community leaders.
Urgent action to address the problem
The increase in forest fires in Apurímac, recorded between 2018 and 2020 (SERFOR, INDECI, MINAM), evidences the urgent need to strengthen local capacity to address the problem.
According to data from CENEPRED (2022), Abancay and Andahuaylas are the provinces with the highest recurrence of fires in the last 20 years. Micaela Bastidas, Atumpata, Puruchacca, Santa Isabel de Caype, Cruzpata and Chua are some of the most affected communities.
This initiative is a strategic step in the consolidation of the Rontoccocha RCA, which seeks to protect more than 42,000 hectares of ecosystems vital for biodiversity and water regulation in the region. In addition, it not only strengthens the capacity to respond to emergencies, but also promotes a culture of prevention and sustainable land management.
Specialized fire mitigation equipment
© IDMA
Representatives of the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP – SN Ampay), the Regional Management of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (GRRNGMA), the Service Provider Company EMUSAP Abancay – MERESE and the community leaders
© IDMA
Next steps of the project
To guarantee the proper safekeeping and use of the equipment, the community presidents will be required to submit a photographic report documenting their storage and maintenance. In addition, the reactivation and training of community forest fire departments will be promoted to ensure an efficient response to emergencies.
The equipment was placed under the custody of the community presidents, who committed to its proper safekeeping and responsible use. This coordinated work between communities and institutions strengthens local resilience and the sustainable management of natural resources in the headwaters of the Mariño micro-basin.
Contact
Yerssey Caballero Palomino
IDMA Apurimac Program Director
directorabancay@idmaperu.org
Yasmine Rosas Damián
Project Coordinator
yasmine.rosas@idmaperu.org
