Drones and Satellites: The New Guardians of the Forest

Fire Season

During the 2023-2024 season, the department of Petén was one of the regions most affected by forest fires in Guatemala, with more than 500 incidents devastating approximately 14,681 hectares. Among the most affected areas are those of high ecological value, such as the Maya Biosphere Reserve, as well as critical municipalities such as San Andrés and La Libertad (MAGA, 2024).

The response to these fires has been a coordinated effort between institutions such as CONRED, the Forest Fire Response Brigades (BRIF-GUA) and local organisations. The brigades face extreme conditions: high temperatures, limited access to water and rough terrain. Despite these challenges, most of the fires have been brought under control, although some persist due to climatic factors and the geographical complexity of the terrain.

To optimise the management of these emergencies, cutting-edge technology is being implemented, including drones and geospatial information systems, which enable early detection and real-time monitoring. These tools are key to reducing environmental impact and safeguarding both biodiversity and vulnerable communities.

Intervention in 2025

Together with the Swedish Embassy in Guatemala and its implementing partner Swisscontact, through the Sustainable Mayan Landscapes project, we promote fire reduction through technology. This project is part of the #peténmássostenible programme, an initiative of the Global Gateway investment agenda of Team Europe (comprising the European Union, Germany, Spain, Ireland and Sweden) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

Geospatial technology and information systems for forest fire monitoring are advanced tools and methodologies that use geographic data, remote sensors, and spatial analysis to prevent, detect, and manage forest fires more efficiently. These technologies combine several disciplines to provide a comprehensive view of fire behaviour and support strategic decision-making to eradicate them.

Geospatial technology and information systems for forest management

Imagine you have a satellite map that shows you where fires could start in a forest and how to stop them before they spread. That's what geospatial technology does: it uses satellite and drone imagery to monitor forests from the sky.

With these tools, we can:

1. See where the danger is: Cameras and satellites detect hot spots or dry areas where fires could start.
2. Make detailed maps: Using drones, we create accurate maps that help people know exactly which parts of the forest are at risk.
3. Make quick decisions: Experts analyse all this information to decide how to prevent or extinguish a fire.

Benefits:

• Prevention: Early identification of vulnerable areas.
• Real-time monitoring: Improves immediate response capacity.
• Strategic planning: Optimisation of human and material resources.
• Conservation: Protection of biodiversity and forest ecosystems.

These tools are essential in regions such as Petén, where forest fires pose a constant threat to forests and the communities that depend on them.

Support for the Sustainable Mayan Landscapes of the Petén Project (PMS)

The PMS project contributes directly through the Association of Forest Communities of Petén (ACOFOP) by providing training and access to drone technology, specifically targeting young people, local actors and technicians in the forestry sector, and technical staff from the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP). This fulfils the project's objectives by strengthening government and departmental institutions, empowering them with innovative solutions for emergency prevention and rapid response.