Cali, Colombia, October 22, 2024 – Carlos Salinas, Environmental Coordinator of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (OTCA), emphasized regional progress and commitments in integrated fire management at the side event “Transitioning to Integrated Fire Management in the Amazon Basin,” held at the European Union Pavilion during COP16. Organized by the European Union’s Amazonia+ Program, the event brought together representatives and experts to discuss essential practices to address the impact of fire in the Amazon Region.
In his remarks, Salinas highlighted the crucial role of the Belém Declaration and the recent Memorandum of Understanding on Integrated Fire Management (MOU IFM) as pillars of regional efforts to implement coordinated and sustainable policies. “Integrated fire management is not only a strategy to prevent fires but also a tool to protect biodiversity and the well-being of Amazonian communities,” he affirmed.
The session addressed the need to adopt practices that incorporate ecological, social, and economic aspects for fire management in the Amazon—a region critical for global biodiversity and climate change mitigation. Salinas stressed the importance of this integrated approach, aligned with commitments made by Amazonian countries during the IV Amazon Summit, aimed at ecosystem protection and promoting sustainable development.
The event concluded with a call to strengthen cooperation between regional countries and international partners to consolidate effective fire management policies and preserve one of the planet’s most valuable and diverse ecosystems.
