Forest Fire Awareness in the communities of Borba.
As part of the Trocano project actions, our recent Forest Fire Awareness and Protection campaign aims to widely disseminate forest fire information to the communities of Borba. Like the Amazon rainforest as a whole, Borba faces the serious threat of forest fires. Forest fires not only cause significant harm to the environment, but they also put people’s health at risk.
Community-Driven Action and Collaboration
The Trocano project team partnered with the Municipal Department of the Environment (SEMMA) and the Municipal Department of Health (SEMSA) to educate and empower the people of Borba. Our collective goal is simple yet critical: to reduce the incidence of forest fires through awareness and education.
The three-day campaign, held from 23rd to 25th July 2024, marked the first phase of our forest fire initiative. By reaching 1,000 residents across 10 communities, the team were able to lay a strong foundation for a sustained effort to empower the people of Borba as protectors of their environment.
But the impact was more than just numbers. We built trust with the people we met and helped them understand how to protect their environment and health. The campaign also got people talking about how they can work together to keep their community safe.
Education and Empowerment
Our approach is rooted in education and empowerment. We provided essential information on fire prevention, health risks, and safe burning practices. But we didn’t stop there. We created a space for dialogue, where residents could share their concerns and experiences. This collaborative approach fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Our team, led by the experienced Environmental Consultant Mr. Jorge Felipe, distributed informative pamphlets and folders. These resources provided clear guidance on safe burning practices and the dangers of uncontrolled fires.
A Community-Centric Approach
As we negotiated the rural roads of Borba, to reach the communities, we didn’t just distribute information; we fostered dialogue. Residents shared their concerns and questions, creating a platform for open conversation about their concerns. One resident, Mrs. Doralice, was so inspired that she invited us to conduct a further lecture in her community along the Piabinha River. This example of the ripple effect demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives.
Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience
Our journey wasn’t without its challenges. The unpaved roads and remote locations tested the team’s determination, but we persevered. The resilience of the community matched our own. Residents were eager to learn and protect their homes and environment.
On this day, our journey started on Borba Mapia Road. We visited homes along 32 kilometres of the road. We talked to 300 residents from four communities: Miriti, São José, São Lázaro da Terra Preta, and São Francisco. The Project team split into two groups, which allowed us to visit more houses and talk to more people.
During these visits, we handed out pamphlets and folders. They had important information about how to safely manage burns and the dangers of uncontrolled fires. The residents were eager to learn and appreciated our efforts.
Implementing the Forest Fire Awareness Campaign
The second day was a challenge, as the road was unpaved and dusty, but our determination or this worthwhile campaign was unwavering. We visited homes in three communities: São Raimundo, Nova Jerusalém, and São Judas Tadeu. We spoke to 350 people within these communities.
With Mr. Jorge Felipe’s help, we made sure the residents understood how important it is to prevent forest fires. Some people told us they were worried about neighbours who didn’t know about the dangers of fires. Our visit gave them the information and confidence they needed to talk about these issues in their communities.
On the third day, we travelled to Novo Horizonte Branch Road and Jatuarana Road. We reached 250 residents in Novo Horizonte and another 100 in Jatuarana. The residents were interested in learning, especially since many were concerned about the high risk of fires during the hot summer.
Lasting Impact: Building Trust and Protecting the Community
Throughout our visits, we emphasized to everyone that fire safety is crucial not only for preserving the environment but also for protecting their personal health. The people we talked to were glad to get advice on how to safely use fire and prevent dangerous situations.
Beyond the numbers, the campaign builds trust and strengthens the bond between the Trocano Araretama Project and the community. We witnessed first-hand the relief and gratitude of residents who now felt equipped to protect their homes and livelihoods.
Volunteer Fire Brigade Training Coming Soon
The recent phase of the campaign is just the beginning. The Trocano Araretama Project remains committed to supporting Borba’s communities in their fight against forest fires. In addition, the Trocano Project team is holding a training course for voluntary agents of the forest fire brigade. This training will be led by a qualified fire safety professional.
This course aims to train residents of communities in the municipality of Borba, with the incentive to reduce the rate of fires in the municipality, bringing knowledge to the community as a way to prevent and combat principles of undue fires.
Conclusion: A Campaign That Makes a Difference
As we finished phase one of this campaign, we all felt proud of what we had accomplished. Even though the journey was tough, the team’s hard work and the warm welcome from the communities made it all worth it. Consequently, the Project team returned to Borba knowing that we had made a real difference, not just in raising awareness, but in helping to create a community that cares about the environment and each other’s health.
The Trocano Araretama Project is committed to continuing this important work, making sure that everyone in Borba’s rural communities has the knowledge and tools they need to protect the Amazon rainforest and stay safe. By empowering residents with knowledge and resources, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for the Amazon rainforest.
