At the Sipirra Project, we are dedicated to preventing forest fires. The loss of plant and animal life, along with the release of CO2, inspires us to act. Our goal is to protect nature and minimize wildfire damage.

The photo above was taken yesterday, August 5th/24, near the site of our project. The fire was contained within 24 hours, but it could have been avoided.

SIPIRRA PLAN FOR FOREST FIRE PREVENTION

Adapting the SIPIRRA fire mitigation plan for the area of Villa de Leyva, Colombia, involves considering the specific characteristics of the area, such as the presence of pine and eucalyptus trees, the dry seasons and the incidence of fires caused by people. This is our project for this purpose:

1. Prevention

- Education and Local Awareness:

- Educational Campaigns: conduct campaigns aimed specifically at the inhabitants of Villa de Leyva and tourists visiting the area. These campaigns could include talks, brochures, and signage about the risks of forest fires and the importance of not burning.

- School Programs: Include environmental education programs in local schools to teach children about fire prevention.

- Regulations and Standards:

- Burning Ban: Implement a strict ban on burning during dry seasons. Ensure that regulations are clear and enforced through regular patrols and penalties for violators.

- Activity Control: Regulate tourist and recreational activities that may pose a risk, such as campfires and barbecues, especially in areas near pine and eucalyptus trees.

- Preventive Infrastructure:

- Firebreaks: Establish firebreaks around high-risk areas and maintain them regularly.

- Access to Water Sources: Ensure the availability of water sources at strategic points for firefighting.

2. Detection and Monitoring

- Early Detection Technology: Use drones equipped with thermal cameras for constant surveillance of risk areas.

- Community Surveillance Network: Establish a surveillance network with the participation of local residents and farmers, training them to identify and report signs of fire quickly.

3. Preparedness and Response.

- Equipment and Training:

- Community Brigades: Form and train community brigades for first response in case of fires. Provide them with appropriate equipment such as hoses, water pumps and personal protective equipment.

- Regular Drills: Conduct regular evacuation and fire response drills, involving the community and fire departments.

- Evacuation Plans: Develop and disseminate specific evacuation plans for each sector of Villa de Leyva, ensuring that all residents are aware of evacuation routes and procedures.

- Inter-institutional Collaboration: Strengthen collaboration between local entities, such as the mayor's office, firefighters, Civil Defense and non-governmental organizations.

4. Restoration and Recovery - Assisted Natural Restoration: After a fire, carry out restoration programs using native species that are less flammable compared to pines and eucalyptus.

- Damage Assessment: Conduct fire damage assessments and plan for recovery of affected areas.

- Community Support: Provide support to affected communities, including financial, psychological and reconstruction assistance.

5. Research and Adaptation

- Local Studies: Promote research on the specific causes of the fires in Villa de Leyva and best practices for mitigation.

- Climate Change Adaptation: Implement measures that consider the effects of climate change, such as increased temperatures and variability in rainfall patterns, adapting fire mitigation strategies.

Specific Actions for Villa de Leyva:

- Patrols and Surveillance: Establish regular patrols during dry seasons to deter and detect human activities that may cause fires.

- Tourist Information Points: Install information points in tourist areas to educate visitors about safe practices and fire hazards.

- Collaboration with Landowners: Work with landowners where pine and eucalyptus trees grow to sustainably manage these forests, reducing combustible material and creating safety zones.

This tailored plan should be flexible and revised periodically to incorporate new technologies and knowledge, as well as to adjust to changing environmental and social conditions in the region.