2024-11-13 03:32:00
Generally speaking, we are used to expressing opinions after an incident has occurred, and in this case it may fundamentally be too late, as the consequences may cause damage, sometimes on a large scale, to third parties and the environment. This is what we are facing in our region, and it is happening more and more often. We call it negligence; we call it carelessness at times; we affirm the presence of human hands, say there is intentionality, but regardless, we end up witnessing spectacles that denigrate and destroy us.
We found hundreds of possible explanations that seemed more than anything else, excuses or not, vivid definitions of the benefits of caring for nature and happily enjoying the forest; almost clichés that engulfed us like fire life disappears.
I feel it is necessary and urgent to make these comments that go beyond the intent of a simple opinion, both because of what we have experienced and because of our predictions. For in addition to negligence we suffer from the carelessness of those whose duty it is to help us. Uncertainty of not knowing whether we will have the aircraft; whether they will come from the National Fire Management Program; lease or purchase.
An abandonment that may be more negligent than setting a fire. We even had to endure insults and lack of respect from former Environment Minister Juan Cabandiere and his deputy Sergio Federovski, who had to publicly apologize to our city.
And, to call our claims “inappropriate,” we ended up causing the destruction of 8,000 hectares of forest.
But we have gone from that extreme grievance to now our disbelief. For example, at the request of ANAC, we prepared the local airport for the next summer, which is an essential space for prevention.
However, we still don’t know if we will have fire hydrant aircraft; how many; what will be the need for lifeguards in the face of high temperatures, if they come, or how many there will be? According to forecasts, lower humidity is expected during the summer, leading to extreme drought. A very dangerous and extremely vulnerable combination should already have an action plan and a contingency plan.
In recent years, fire disasters have occurred frequently
I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I have to remember the last big disaster we suffered in El Bolsón, in the area of Los Repollos and Cuesta del Ternero (at the northern entrance to our city). Or the terrible and voracious Junction Fire in Lake Puelo, El Hoyo, Las Golondrinas and south of El Bolzon. Despite the promises and even the presence of the country’s president, the accident still showed us a forgotten and abandoned postcard. Hundreds of families lost their homes; all. It is true that when a fire breaks out, assistance becomes immeasurable, but that does not mean that we can have evacuation plans and technical resources, which we naturally do not have in various cities, whether in Egypt due to the high demand. Bolson is still in any Andean region.
And in addition to considering the loss of private property; homes; businesses, and of course the risk to human life. We must remember the material losses; productive; those of animals.
Also, I must remember the Loma del Medio fire in El Bolsón, which we were able to put out thanks to the fact that we managed to get helicopters to pump water from the Quemquemtreu River without having to go to Lake Puelo to replenish it.
Therefore, I call for reflection from my perspective as a ruler, but especially as citizens and neighbors who are victims of neglect. Because the fires in our region only cause pain and suffering, both individually and collectively.
Mature requirements. Mainly for those who are forgetful and may allow embers to burn, or worse, start a fire where it is prohibited. Speaking of bans, remember that fires are not allowed throughout our area. Furthermore, we appeal to the national authorities that this time prevention is better than negligence and carelessness. The consequences mentioned are thousands of hectares of land destroyed and hundreds of families left homeless or at risk of losing their homes; decades of forest restoration and the resulting environmental consequences.
I speak on behalf of my city and the entire region, I, like thousands of others, grew up under the condemnation of fires and uncontrolled losses. I say this because over the years, so much has been said and so little has been done.
I do this in support of brigade members whose lives are at the mercy of decisions made by bureaucrats who do not understand the gravity of what is happening because they come from desks thousands of kilometers away. I speak on behalf of the children, teenagers or young adults whom we educate through “environmental protection” programs only to have their consequences turn to ashes.
For adults with private obligations and for those of us who must abide by public obligations. For those who use the idea of an “ozone hole or environmental damage” as an excuse not to take responsibility for the damage caused, follow the warnings about what may happen and ignore what has happened or is happening now.
A necessary debate on forest protection
Because this is my duty and right as a representative. I say this because it is a gift of democracy to frame debate in the light of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, because opinion and debate are democracy, despite the fact that some have tragically said – perhaps because we cannot come up with our own ideas – By raising our voices, we pursue hidden interests. This despicable behavior should not even be thought of when society is hungry for a voice. Our advice or social and political vision in the face of the chaotic uncertainty that besets us.
I therefore call on all the people of the region, those who may visit and the authorities to reflect on the urgent and necessary care of our forests and environmental heritage. Experience tells us that it is urgent and necessary for the upcoming season.
I invite you to emerge from this reflection as a protagonist in nursing. When we discover risky situations, we report them immediately. May we even take responsibility and believe that we know it or that we can master it. May we be fully aware and avoid lighting fires in any forest in Patagonia. I think we’ve talked about it a lot and now it’s time for us to get to work.
*Mayor of El Bolson.
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#Bushfires #plea #solidarity #call #reflection
**Interview with Maria Gonzalez, Environmental Activist and Local Government Representative in El Bolsón**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Given the increasing frequency of fire disasters in your region, can you share your insights on what you believe are the root causes of these issues?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to discuss the factors behind these devastating fires. While we often point fingers at negligence and carelessness, the reality is more complex. Many of these fires have human hands behind them, whether through intentional actions or gross mismanagement of resources. Our region has suffered immense losses due to this neglect, which is utterly disheartening.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned feeling abandoned by the authorities tasked with fire management. Can you elaborate on that?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Absolutely. We’re faced with uncertainty when it comes to vital resources like fire hydrant aircraft and support from the National Fire Management Program. Just last summer, we endured the loss of 8,000 hectares of forest due to inadequate response measures. It’s frustrating to have the potential for these resources but not know if they will be available when we need them.
**Interviewer:** What impact do you think this neglect has on local communities?
**Maria Gonzalez:** The effects are devastating. Families lose their homes and livelihoods when fires strike. Beyond that, the emotional toll is substantial. Hundreds of families have been affected, and we must also consider the loss of biodiversity and the long-term environmental consequences. Each fire reverses decades of forest restoration efforts.
**Interviewer:** You describe feeling disillusioned, yet you still strive for change. What steps do you think need to be taken moving forward?
**Maria Gonzalez:** We need a proactive approach rather than reactive measures. This includes developing evacuation plans, ensuring accessibility to firefighting resources, and implementing rigorous prevention strategies. Our community has done its part by preparing local infrastructure, but we need the national authorities to prioritize fire prevention as well.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to deliver to the public and policymakers?
**Maria Gonzalez:** I want to remind everyone that fires are not just an unfortunate occurrence; they are largely preventable. It’s urgent for us as citizens and leaders to hold each other accountable. We must push for better policies and support for our firefighters and promote community education around environmental protection. Neglect in this regard can lead to catastrophic consequences for us all.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maria, for your passionate insights and for advocating for your community. We hope to see positive changes soon.
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. Together, we can make a difference.
