Asuncion, IP Agency.- According to updated data from the National Forestry Institute (Infona), a total of 159,116 hectares have been affected by the forest fires that are taking place in the Paraguayan Chaco region. Of this number, 149,124 hectares, or 93.7%, correspond to native forests.
At the national level, for the month of September, an estimated affected area of 318,604 hectares was recorded.
Data from monitoring hot spots and active fires for the period from 1 to 11 September, record a total of 17,436 hot spots and 1,058 active fires recorded, of which 116 fires have an estimated affected area of more than 1,000 hectares.
In Chaco, there are also 3,202 hectares of degraded native forests and 8,289 hectares of land intended for other uses.
In this region, there are currently more than 100 military personnel deployed near Cerro Chovoreca, in support of the Firefighters, civilians and the Forestry Brigade of the National Emergency Secretariat.
Infona, as the regulatory body of the Comprehensive Fire Management Law, warns of the danger of new forest fires caused by the illegal burning of garbage, brush, fields and/or grasslands as a cultivation practice, and therefore requests that people be aware and stop burning practices, remembering that the total suspension of authorization for burning permits remains in force.
Finally, if you witness a forest fire, you should seek out a safe and clean area, far from the fire site and smoke.
For safety reasons, it is not recommended to try to fight the fire. You should immediately contact the people trained to act in case of emergencies: 132 – Volunteer Firefighters, 911 – National Police and the affected municipality.
#Forest #fires #Chaco #hectares #affected #native #forests
2024-09-13 17:57:42
Table of Contents
The Devastating Effects of Forest Fires in the Paraguayan Chaco Region
The Paraguayan Chaco region, known for its delicate ecosystem, is facing a severe crisis due to the increasing number of forest fires. According to recent data from the National Forestry Institute (Infona), a total of 159,116 hectares have been affected by forest fires, with 149,124 hectares (93.7%) consisting of native forests [[3]]. This alarming situation is not only limited to the Chaco region but also affects the national level, with an estimated affected area of 318,604 hectares recorded for the month of September.
The frequency and intensity of forest fires in the Chaco region are on the rise, with 17,436 hot spots and 1,058 active fires recorded from 1 to 11 September [[3]]. Of these fires, 116 have an estimated affected area of more than 1,000 hectares, highlighting the severity of the situation. In addition to the devastating impact on native forests, there are also 3,202 hectares of degraded native forests and 8,289 hectares of land intended for other uses.
The causes of these forest fires are multifaceted, with agriculture, livestock farming, and forest fires being major contributors to the destruction of natural resources in the Chaco region [[1]]. Furthermore, fire occurrence has become more frequent and intense due to human activities such as illegal burning of garbage, brush, fields, and/or grasslands as a cultivation practice [[2]].
The situation is so severe that more than 100 military personnel have been deployed near Cerro Chovoreca to support firefighters, civilians, and the Forestry Brigade of the National Emergency Secretariat in combating the fires [[3]]. Infona, as the regulatory body of the Comprehensive Fire Management Law, is warning of the danger of new forest fires and urging people to be aware of the risks and consequences of their actions.
The consequences of these forest fires are far-reaching, not only affecting the ecosystem but also threatening the livelihoods of indigenous communities and protected areas. It is essential to take immediate action to prevent further destruction and work towards preserving the natural resources of the Chaco region.
Preserving the Chaco Region: A Collective Responsibility
The preservation of the Chaco region’s natural resources requires a collective effort from government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. It is crucial to adopt sustainable land-use practices, such as responsible agriculture and livestock farming, to reduce the risk of forest fires. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns can help to prevent human-induced fires and promote responsible land management.
International organizations, such as KfW Development Bank, are also playing a vital role in supporting initiatives aimed at preserving the Chaco region’s forests [[1]]. These efforts are crucial in addressing the root causes of deforestation and promoting sustainable development in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the devastating effects of forest fires in the Chaco region. By working together, we can mitigate the impact of these fires and preserve the natural resources of this delicate ecosystem for future generations.
References:
<a href="https://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/About-us/News/News-Details709376.html”>[1]
<a href="https://publications.cirad.fr/unenotice.php?dk=606528″>[2]
The Devastating Effects of Wildfires in the Gran Chaco Region
The Gran Chaco region, spanning across Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil, is a delicate ecosystem that has been ravaged by wildfires in recent years. According to a study published in 2023, the fire regime in this region has had significant impacts on the environment and human populations [[1]]. This article will delve into the consequences of wildfires in the Gran Chaco region, particularly in Paraguay, highlighting the affected areas, causes, and measures taken to combat these devastating fires.
Affected Areas and Statistics
In Paraguay, the Chaco region has been severely affected by wildfires, with an estimated 159,116 hectares of land burned, of which 93.7% correspond to native forests [[4]]. At the national level, the affected area has reached 318,604 hectares for the month of September alone [[4]]. The data from monitoring hotspots and active fires reveals a total of 17,436 hotspots and 1,058 active fires, with 116 fires having an estimated affected area of over 1,000 hectares [[4]].
Causes of Wildfires
Wildfires in the Gran Chaco region are often caused by human activities such as illegal burning of garbage, brush, fields, and/or grasslands as a cultivation practice [[3][4]]. These practices not only harm the environment but also pose a significant threat to Indigenous lands and protected forests [[2]]. The Paraguayan Chaco, in particular, is home to several Indigenous communities and protected areas, making it essential to address the root causes of these wildfires.
Measures Taken to Combat Wildfires
In response to the devastating effects of wildfires, Infona, the regulatory body of the Comprehensive Fire Management Law, has warned of the danger of new forest fires and requests that people be aware and stop burning practices [[4]]. Additionally, more than 100 military personnel have been deployed near Cerro Chovoreca to support firefighters, civilians, and the Forestry Brigade of the National Emergency Secretariat [[4]]. It is crucial for individuals to report any forest fires they may witness and contact the trained emergency responders, rather than attempting to fight the fires themselves [[4]].
Long-term Consequences and Solutions
Wildfires in the Gran Chaco region have long-term consequences for the environment, human populations, and the economy. The loss of native forests and wildlife habitats can have irreparable effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services [[1]]. To address these issues, it is essential to implement sustainable land-use practices, strengthen environmental legislation, and provide education and training on fire management and prevention [[3]].
the wildfires in the Gran Chaco region, particularly in Paraguay, have devastating effects on the environment, human populations, and the economy. It is crucial to address the root causes of these wildfires, implement sustainable practices, and strengthen environmental legislation to mitigate the impacts of these fires. By working together, we can protect the Gran Chaco region and preserve its delicate ecosystem for future generations.
References:
[3] Romero, S. G. S. (2023). Impacts of national governments on the forest cover loss in the Paraguayan Chaco.[https://wwwsciencedirectcom/science/article/abs/pii/S1617138123001437[https://wwwsciencedirectcom/science/article/abs/pii/S1617138123001437
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