Cali, Colombia, October 24, 2024 – Within the framework of COP 16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) organized a panel to promote a preventive and resilient approach to forest fires in the Amazon. The event, “Forest Fire Risk Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Amazon,” brought together experts from the region to discuss strategies to address this increasingly urgent issue due to climate change.
Carlos Salinas, Environmental Coordinator of OTCA, participated as a panelist and emphasized the importance of promoting regional cooperation to tackle forest fires, highlighting the creation of the Amazon Fire Management Network. “Strengthening cooperation among the eight Amazonian countries is essential, considering the different economic, social, and environmental realities of the region. OTCA facilitates this cooperation by developing tools that support countries in managing and preventing fires,” Salinas stated.
In his remarks, Salinas stressed the need to consolidate this network as a key mechanism for coordinating efforts in prevention and response to large-scale events. “We’ve seen recent fires exceed national capacities. Therefore, the Amazon Fire Management Network seeks to provide a coordinated regional response, integrating local knowledge and promoting sustainable practices,” he added.
The IDB reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner in the region for disaster management and resilience-building, emphasizing its new institutional strategy that comprehensively addresses climate change, biodiversity, and natural disasters. The entity highlighted that investing in prevention and strengthening governance is crucial to reducing recovery costs and building a more resilient region.
The panel also discussed the importance of involving local communities in fire management and strengthening early warning systems by using advanced technologies for rapid prevention and response. Experts agreed that integrating these systems, alongside stronger governance and effective cross-border cooperation, is essential for conserving the Amazon and its valuable resources.
