Ecuador launches campaign to prevent forest fires during the dry season 2024.

Ecuador is currently in a critical stage, facing weather conditions that favor the occurrence of wildfires. With the onset of the dry season, authorities have launched the campaign "Together We Prevent Wildfires 2024," which aims to mobilize the population in preventing these environmental disasters. The presentation of this initiative took place on Monday, August 5, and is part of a state effort to address the growing concern about the impact of wildfires on the country's biodiversity and ecosystems. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) has warned that the provinces of Guayas, Imbabura, Pichincha, Azuay, and Loja have already recorded fires, indicating that the situation is alarming. Vladimir Arreaga, director of Hydrometeorological Forecasts and Alerts, emphasized that between August and November, it is common for wildfire activity to increase due to a lack of moisture and high temperatures, highlighting the urgency of the campaign. Statistics provided by the Risk Management Secretariat are revealing: during the year 2024, 1,078 fires have been reported, affecting more than 7,700 hectares of vegetation cover in various provinces. This number indicates a structural problem that affects not only flora but also fauna and the communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. The response from the Ministry of Agriculture has focused on implementing good agricultural practices. Silvana Vallejo, a representative of this ministry, mentioned that 200 rural extension agents have been trained and technical assistance has been provided to approximately 8,000 producers. This approach aims to mitigate the burning of agricultural waste, promoting techniques such as composting instead. The creation of an agroecological seal for those productive units that adopt these practices is also emerging as an important measure in the fight against wildfires. In the educational sector, the Ministry of Education has also responded to this challenge. Sofía León, from the State Portfolio, indicated that nearly 200,000 educational actors have been trained in risk management. Additionally, the role of brigadista has been implemented in each of the 56,000 educational institutions across the country, strengthening the capacity to respond to emergencies. The Amazon Without Fire project, led by the Ministry of the Environment, is another highlighted initiative in this campaign. Daniel Segura, its manager, explained that the goal is not only to raise awareness about prevention but also to promote concrete and coordinated actions to protect forests and moors. This comprehensive vision is essential for addressing the issue of wildfires from multiple fronts. Among the specific proposed actions is the dissemination of radio spots in Spanish and Quichua, aimed at reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Additionally, educational content has been developed in various formats for local and digital distribution. The campaign also features Urko the Puma, a mascot symbolizing wildfire prevention that is intended to be promoted among the population. Furthermore, the initiative includes reforestation activities, the implementation of fire prevention backpacks, and the organization of environmental and agricultural fairs. These efforts aim to not only raise awareness but also encourage active community participation in environmental protection. The figures are alarming, with a total of 25,851 fires recorded between 2010 and 2023, devastating more than 251,000 hectares of natural vegetation, forest plantations, and agricultural land. The magnitude of these losses underscores the urgent need for collective and coordinated action to prevent future disasters. The campaign "Together We Prevent Wildfires 2024" not only represents a call to action but also serves as a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems. Collaboration between the state, community organizations, and citizens will be crucial in mitigating the impact of these fires and preserving Ecuador's natural wealth for future generations.