Plant fires decrease in the protected areas of the province of Chiriquí

Last year the incidence of IMAVE affected 400 hectares; Even so, the figure was lower compared to 2019 when the flames consumed 1,917 hectares.

This year, some hundred hectares were affected on a smaller scale. Photo: Illustrative

With the implementation of the Plant Mass Fire Prevention Campaign (IMAVE), called this year “Panama is life, protect it from fire”, a decrease in the amount of surface and points affected by fire is evident in the province of Chiriquí within protected areas.

“The districts of Boquete and Tierras Altas are very sensitive areas, the scenic beauty and the richness of the protected areas deserve that we pay the greatest possible attention to preserve these ecosystems and that they are not degraded”, assured Helvecia Bonilla, head of the department of environmental risks of the Ministry of the Environment (MiAMBIENTE).

Data from the Environmental Performance Verification Section (SEVEDA) show that this year, in the province, about one hundred hectares located near points and buffer zones to protected areas were affected on a smaller scale.

Last year the incidence by IMAVE affected 400 hectares; Even so, the figure was lower compared to 2019 when the flames consumed 1,917 hectares.

Krislly Quintero, regional director of MiAMBIENTE, explains that this year (2022) there have been fewer cases of fires in protected areas, this is a sign that awareness is being generated in the community and strengthening teamwork.

During the dry season, the situation is more complex, which is why MiAMBIENTE reinforced permanent monitoring and patrolling (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) at 43 sensitive points located in the Volcán Barú National Park (PNVB), Parque La Amistad International (PILA), Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park (PNGCh) and La Barqueta Agrícola Beach Wildlife Refuge (RVSPLBA)

In the PNVB, the MiAMBIENTE agency, together with the residents, planted 300 seedlings of the guabo (Inga sp.), cigua (Ocotea sp.) bambito (Ocotea sp.) and ciruelillo (Margaritaria nobulis) species; which are in frank growth while the vegetation cover regenerates little by little.

In addition, in Chiriquí the forestry brigade has been strengthened while 18 technicians and administrators were recently trained as Forest Firefighters.

In a recent overflight, the area affected by the flames last year showed that it is developing its regeneration.