In February 2024, the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, a critical conservation area in southwestern Guatemala, faced devastating forest fires. These fires threatened the reserve’s diverse ecosystems, including the largest mixed cloud forest in Central America and species like the cloud forest tapir and the horned turkey. By mid-July, over 1,478 hectares had been impacted, with active fires raging in four sectors of the park (Teculután, Río Hondo, Morán, and Gualán). The situation prompted Teculután to declare a red alert, and Río Hondo was preparing to follow suit.

Multiple factors contributed to the fires, including uncontrolled resource extraction, agricultural practices, and deliberate arson. The particularly intense dry season worsened the situation. Despite efforts from various institutions, the magnitude of the fires threatened to overwhelm the available firefighting resources, as a team of 120 personnel, supported by limited equipment, struggled to manage the crisis effectively.

The $30,000 grant from RRF enabled Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza (FDN – a local non-government organisation active in the park) to enhance cross-sectoral support for fire management, boost the capacity of firefighting teams, and foster community participation in fire prevention. The funding allowed for the hiring of additional firefighting crews, acquisition of essential protective gear, vehicle maintenance and provision of necessary supplies such as food for fire-fighting teams. A crucial part of the initiative was conducting a helicopter overflight to evaluate the fires and devise a coordinated response strategy.

The project also included a communication campaign aimed at raising awareness about fire prevention within local communities. This involved building advertising banners with preventive messages, broadcasting radio spots, and distributing educational materials. Engaging local communities in fire prevention efforts is very important to mitigate future risks and promote sustainable conservation practices.