Event Brings Together Partners of the Forest Management and Fire Prevention Program in Brazil
August/September, 2024 – Governmental institutions of Brazil and representatives from the United States Forest Service (USFS) gathered in Brasília to develop a joint action plan and future activities for the Brazil Forest Management and Fire Prevention Program. USAID also participated in the meeting, which signaled the expansion of the agency's cooperation with USFS through 2027.
The program, initiated in 2021, focuses on wildfire prevention and management, forest governance, natural resource management, and the sustainable use of Conservation Units in Brazil. The partnership works closely to strengthen the technical capacity of local communities, while promoting the leadership and participation of women and Indigenous Peoples in forest and fire management, and fostering the bioeconomy.
Key partners include the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA/Prevfogo), and the National Indigenous Peoples Foundation (Funai), along with local and Indigenous organizations. In this new phase, the program will also focus on promoting sustainable tourism, restoration efforts, and tackling climate change.
“Our collaboration with ICMBio, Ibama, Funai, local communities, universities, society organizations, and the private sector aims to strengthen integrated fire management, protect conservation areas and Indigenous territories, boost the bioeconomy, preserve biodiversity, and support climate adaptation in the Amazon,” said Mark Carrato, USAID Brazil Director.
Mr. Carrato emphasized the significance of the international cooperation between the United States and Brazil, as the two nations celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations. He also praised the exchange of expertise between partners during the meeting. “This is an important opportunity to align efforts, share lessons learned, and build on our collective knowledge. We look forward to seizing this moment —not only in Brazil but globally— for conservation, addressing climate change, and elevating Indigenous and traditional peoples,” he added.
The effects of climate change, combined with the severe drought that has affected Brazil in recent months, have led to widespread fires not only in the Amazon but also in the Pantanal and Cerrado biomes. These fires have polluted the air across multiple Brazilian states and caused significant harm to biodiversity and public health.
In this context, the advancement of the program becomes more crucial. In recent years, the initiative has trained environmental agents and Indigenous brigades to manage and prevent wildfires, while also conducting restoration activities in degraded areas using native seedlings to bolster the resilience of the forest (read more here).
“Nesta oficina foi importante trocar ideias, criar um entendimento comum do que está avançando e alinhar, planejar, para termos resultados ainda melhores. Trabalhamos para mudar vidas por meio das parcerias e as conexões, mas também para um impacto positivo em escala na paisagem, nas florestas, conservação de biodiversidade, fortalecendo a participação social. A inclusão, a diversidade, a justiça são fundamentais pois entendemos que tudo isso está conectado”, afirma Jayleen Vera, coordenadora geral do USFS, para o Programa Brasil.