By Carlene Myvett | Development Manager
The 2024 dry season has caused major destruction to protected areas and community farmlands in the Toledo District. The end of April brought record-breaking hot, humid, and extended dry conditions to Belize, which led to numerous, uncontrolled fires and by mid-May, the Government had declared a state of public emergency. Our data shows that over 106,738 acres were burned across the landscape, representing at least 10% of Toledo.
Early assessments indicated that over 1,000 smallholder farmers and residents were impacted, and losses were estimated to be more than $3 million Belize dollars. Subsistence crops such as beans, corn and cacao were among the losses. Forest, wildlife habitat and even some homes were also lost.
Ya’axché’s “Golden Stream Corridor Preserve” was no exception. Fires raged through a portion of the property destroying approximately 2000 acres of forest. For the first time in 25 years, fire has torched the preserve. Ya’axché mobilized its entire staff to assist in combatting the fires with the guidance of trained fire management staff. Investments were made in creating fire passes around the field station and nearby buildings. Staff and rangers trekked miles to extinguish fires near the foothills and community members were hired to assist with under brushing of vines and dry foliage around the perimeter of the compound. The latter was important to deter fires from racing quickly when ignited. Several water stations were placed at strategic locations within the preserve to ensure that if fire emerges, the team can extinguish quickly. Ya’axché personnel combatted fire for almost three weeks before some control came into effect.
There is an urgency for Ya’axché to work even more closely with the Government of Belize and it community partners to build capacity for fire management. Firefighting apparatus need to be procured and fire management trainings and educational campaigns need to be undertaken so that people are better aware on actions to minimize crop loss, forest loss, destruction of houses and wildlife. Ya’axché commenced its on-the-ground damage assessment and plan of recovery which includes restoring lands within the GSCP where loss of forest is evident and assisting famers with resources to rebuild their farms.
As an NGO with considerable experience in protected areas management, community development and engagement, Ya’axché recognizes that increased capacity building to adapt to these changing times urgently needs attention. Adopting behavioural change as it relates to the use of land is optimal to sustain families. Community members are now at a realization, that traditional practices need to converge with sustainable climate-smart practices to ensure productivity, forest and animal health.
Your donations contribute to building a fire resilient landscape!
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