Ideflor-Bio and partners begin fire combat in Monte Alegre State Park and Paytuna Environmental Protection Area
Due to the start of the Amazon summer, a task force is already carrying out prevention and firefighting actions in the two protected areas in western Pará
The Management of the Administrative Region of Calha Norte I (GRCNI), from the Institute of Forest Development and Biodiversity of Pará (Ideflor-Bio), has initiated a task force for prevention and firefighting actions in the Monte Alegre State Park and the Paytuna Environmental Protection Area (APA). The action is in partnership with the Secretary of the Environment of Monte Alegre, the 18th Battalion of the Military Police, Civil Defense, and civil firefighters from the City Hall.
The meeting aimed to establish joint strategies due to the start of the Amazon summer, a dry season in the region. The action seeks to prevent occurrences of fires recorded in the Conservation Units (UCs) of the region.
The possible causes of fire outbreaks were pointed out, such as inadequate agricultural management practices, accidental or intentional human actions, and adverse climatic factors, such as prolonged drought and the occurrence of strong winds, which favor the spread of fire.
The need to preserve these areas was also emphasized, as they house fragile ecosystems and an archaeological wealth of invaluable historical and scientific value for Pará, Brazil, and humanity, highlighting the rock paintings located in the Monte Alegre State Park.
Main actions defined:
- Conducting meetings focused on environmental education in the communities of Lages, Santana, and Paytuna;
- Informative meetings in the communities of Ererê, Maxirá, Maturupi, and Pedreira;
- Execution of firebreaks under the responsibility of GRCNI;
- Preventive rounds with the support of the Military Police and Semma, and
- Other actions were also agreed upon among the participating agencies, emphasizing prevention, strengthening environmental education, and involving local communities.
Activities have already begun. On July 11, the first meetings took place in the communities of Lages, Santana, and Paytuna, followed, on the 12th, by meetings in the communities of Ererê, Maturupi, and Pedreira.
The topics addressed included sustainable agricultural management, the need for environmental licensing for activities in the Paytuna APA, and the negative impacts of the misuse of fire, especially in protected areas.
The Monte Alegre State Park is of great relevance as it houses not only a rich biodiversity but also a valuable archaeological collection, with a significant concentration of rock art records. Its preservation is essential to keep alive the cultural and environmental memory of the Amazon.
“Commitment to the future” - The head of GRCNI, Itajury Kishi, reinforced the role of integrated management and community participation. “Our role goes far beyond the technical management of Conservation Units. We are here to build connections with communities, guide, prevent, and act together with our partners to protect what belongs to everyone. The Monte Alegre State Park and the Paytuna APA carry immeasurable value, both environmentally and culturally. Caring for this territory is ensuring that it remains alive and present in the lives of future generations,” emphasized the manager.
(Collaboration by Michele Lucas - Ascom/Ideflor-Bio)
