Boluarte presents a bill to combat forest fires in Peru.

President Dina Boluarte has made a significant decision by presenting a bill to the Congress of the Republic, which aims to establish a more robust regulatory framework for the prevention and combat of forest fires in the country. This project responds to a growing concern in Peruvian society regarding the devastation that these disasters have caused to the ecosystem and the national economy. In order to mitigate these impacts, Boluarte has proposed harsher penalties and concrete measures aimed at protecting the country's natural resources.

One of the most relevant provisions of the bill is the prohibition of changing land use in areas that have been affected by forest fires. This measure seeks to prevent land that should be recovered and protected from being transformed for other uses, which could further exacerbate the environmental situation. The National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor) will be responsible for maintaining a registry of these areas, in collaboration with the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (Senamhi), thus ensuring a coordinated and effective approach.

Article 3 of the bill clearly states that public administration entities are prohibited from granting authorizations or enabling titles to modify land use in areas with forest capacity and protection that have suffered fires. This provision aims to establish a clear scenario where environmental protection is a priority, sanctioning any action that endangers the affected ecosystems.

In addition to the restrictions on land use, the bill also proposes the creation of rapid response brigades for forest fires. These brigades, which would work in close coordination with Serfor, would be responsible for implementing prevention and response actions. In this way, the aim is not only to react to emergencies but also to stay one step ahead in mitigating risks that could trigger forest fires.

In a comprehensive approach, the bill assigns an important role to the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation in the recovery of affected areas. These ministries will need to present a recovery plan within 30 days following a fire, allowing for an agile and effective response to restore the devastated ecosystems. The declaration of national interest and public necessity in the recovery of these areas underscores the urgency of this matter.

One of the most striking aspects of the bill is the tightening of penalties for those who cause forest fires. The amendment of Article 310 of the Penal Code establishes sentences of up to 6 years in prison for starting a fire in natural areas, forests, or plantations, whether intentionally or through negligence. This tightening is a clear attempt to deter irresponsible behaviors that have led to environmental destruction.

If the fire results in greater damage, such as affecting protected flora or fauna or endangering nearby populations, the penalty could increase to up to 10 years in prison. This measure sends a strong message about the seriousness with which the government addresses the issue of forest fires and seeks to hold those who commit these acts accountable for their actions.

Funding for the actions proposed in the bill is expected to come from the institutional budget of the involved entities. This ensures that the necessary resources are available to implement strategies for prevention and response to fires. In cases of significant impacts, the declaration of States of Emergency is anticipated, allowing the government to act quickly and effectively to address the consequences of forest fires.

Dina Boluarte's bill represents a step forward in the fight against forest fires in Peru, a problem that has reached alarming dimensions in recent years. The combination of prohibitions, penalties, and recovery strategies demonstrates a comprehensive approach that seeks not only to combat fires but also to restore ecological balance in the country. The response from Congress will be crucial to carrying out these initiatives and ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come.