End forest fires in rural Panama by funding climate-friendly volunteer fire-fighters in Las Minas District. This local volunteer brigade will stop fires as well as safeguard garbage disposal to prevent local fires. Training of community stakeholders in proper waste disposal, environmental preservation and fire prevention will generate a virtuous cycle of learning and social cohesion to ensure community wellbeing.
During 2020-2024, Panama had more than 1,000 forest and vegetation fires each year but only 264 firefighters. One of its poorest districts, Las Minas, does not have a fire station. The nearest fire stations are more than 40 minutes away - too far during a fire emergency. Las Minas' conifer plantations and mountains mean forest fires can start easily there. Lack of a formal waste disposal system forces inhabitants to burn their garbage. During dry season, unintentional negligence when burning gar
The project will train and equip a local volunteer fire brigade to stop fires when they start and to clear garbage properly, preventing fires from starting. Volunteers will educate community members, students, farmers, businesspeople, and local authorities on proper garbage disposal, fire prevention, and environmental preservation. Youth and community volunteers will benefit from social, sports, educational and environmental recreation sessions to encourage community cohesion as they learn to fi
Training and equipping a volunteer fire brigade will save lives and preserve the environment. The long-term impact of proper garbage disposal will be felt through the revitalized beauty of the landscape and the improved wellbeing of the community. These activities will also nurture social harmony and promote lasting environmental preservation. Educating youth volunteers means the favorable results of the project will endure throughout future generations.
