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In the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, a groundbreaking effort is unfolding to protect the unique ecosystems and communities of the Beni and Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserves from the increasing impact of forest fires. From 18 to 29 November 2024, UNESCO, through the Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project supported by LVMH and in collaboration with the French National Superior School of Fire Officers (ENSOSP), conducted a transformative mission aimed at enhancing fire prevention, preparedness, and control in these two biosphere reserves.

Bringing together expertise from international and local partners, the mission marked a historic step in fire prevention, preparedness, and response. The initiative focused on assessing fire risks and vegetation dynamics, as well as assessing local capacities. Among its key achievements was the establishment of a plan to create and equip several community-based fire brigades with professional individual protection gear and high-pressure auto pumps and hoses —a first for biosphere reserves worldwide.

To ensure sustainability, the mission also laid the foundation for a comprehensive training programme adapted to local conditions, including first aid and forest fire management, to be implemented in April 2025. This training will strengthen the readiness of the brigades and rangers to safeguard the local population, including Indigenous peoples and local communities, and the unique ecosystems of these biosphere reserves.

The UNESCO-ENSOSP partnership represents a milestone in the promotion of integrated forest fire management throughout Latin America, contributing to climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction in these vital ecosystems.

UNESCO’s mission exemplified collaboration at every level, involving the Directorate General of Biodiversity and Protected Areas (DGBAP), the National Service of Protected Areas (SERNAP), the Mosetene-Tsimane’ Regional Council (CRTM), the Gran Tsimane’ Council, municipalities, and local NGOs such as Conservación Amazonia and Senda Verde, among others.

Based on the results, ENSOSP will deliver a tailor-made training programme, scheduled for April 2025, to improve the operational capacity of the newly formed brigades in forest fires prevention, preparedness and response.

For Abraan Pache Canchi, a ranger from the Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve and a community member of San José de Canaan,

In a heartwarming gesture, ENSOSP donated First Aid kits to each biosphere reserve and a defibrillator to the hospital of San Borja, strengthening the region’s emergency response capabilities. Chief Medical Officer David Mamani Pérez expressed his gratitude, saying,

UNESCO’s Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project stands as a model of innovation for improving resilience, addressing the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. By empowering communities and rangers with tools, training, and hope, it reaffirms a collective commitment to preserving one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems—the Amazon rainforest.