1. Home
  2. News
  3. When the forest is protected before the fire

When the forest is protected before the fire: organised communities prevent fires in the Maya rainforest

Guatemala
Sustainable agriculture, Sustainable tourism, Labour market insertion, Initial vocational education and training
07.07.2026
In the Maya Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important forest landscapes in Mesoamerica, the fire season does not begin with the first flames. It starts much earlier, in the territory itself, with people who organise, plan and prepare to prevent fires from occurring.

In Petén, communities, park rangers, forest brigades and technical institutions have taken on wildfire prevention as a shared responsibility. Through the Sustainable Mayan Landscapes project, implemented by Swisscontact in partnership with ACOFOP and ProPetén, and with the support of the Embassy of Sweden, these efforts are strengthened by building local capacities and fostering coordination among key actors.

This approach marks a significant shift: from reacting to emergencies to anticipating them. Prevention becomes an ongoing process that includes planning, monitoring, establishing firebreaks, using early warning systems, and coordinating between communities and institutions. It also opens the door to more inclusive participation, with both women and men actively contributing to forest protection.

For those living and working in the territory, this learning has a direct impact. As Raquel Soza, a forest firefighter linked to the Cerro Cahuí Biotope, explains:

"Before taking part in these training processes, one understands the importance of protecting the forest, but not always the full scope of prevention. Learning about planning, coordination and fire management helped me realise that many emergencies can be avoided if we act in advance. Today, I feel better prepared to share this knowledge with others and help ensure our protected areas are better prepared during the fire season."
Raquel Soza, forest firefighter, Cerro Cahuí Biotope

In 2024, these efforts translated into concrete actions. With the support of ProPetén, 21 Community Commissions for Wildfire Prevention and Control were reactivated, and four territorial networks were strengthened. At the same time, the Forest Fire Early Warning System (SATIF) expanded its reach, enhancing monitoring and response across more than 200,000 hectares of forest.

Prevention in the Reserve does not rely on a single organisation. It requires coordination among communities, municipalities, CONAP, CONRED, forest organisations and protected area managers. This network of actors—known as the Protected Areas Block—is strengthened through knowledge exchange, joint planning and a shared commitment to coordinated action.

For those leading these technical processes, prevention remains the most effective strategy. As Josué Lemus, a technician at Mirador-Río Azul National Park, notes:

"Experience has shown us that the best strategy against wildfires is still prevention. Having trained personnel, organised communities and coordination mechanisms allows us to anticipate risks and respond more effectively. Protecting Petén’s forests requires knowledge, commitment and collective effort."
Josué Lemus, technician, Mirador-Río Azul National Park

Beyond technical results, this process shows that knowledge gains value when it is put into practice. A training session can become an early warning, a cleared firebreak, or a key decision that prevents a fire from spreading. In 2024, 30 planning meetings were held with community networks, and supplies were distributed to support both prevention and emergency response, strengthening sustained action in the territory.

Looking ahead, the focus is also on expanding participation. Involving women, young people and new community leaders is key to ensuring the sustainability of these efforts. As Cristel Pineda, a technician at Tikal National Park, explains:

"Wildfire prevention begins long before the dry season. It starts with training, planning and the commitment of those of us who work in the territory. Women are also part of this effort and contribute every day to protecting the forests that are essential to Petén’s future."
Cristel Pineda, technician at Tikal National Park
2023 - 2025
Guatemala
Sustainable agriculture, Green cities, Sustainable tourism, Labour market insertion, Initial vocational education and training
Sustainable Mayan Landscapes of the Petén
Improving the conservation and connectivity of biodiverse landscapes through sustainable and inclusive production systems in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve.
Learn more