Human-caused forest fires destroy vast forested areas every year. Simultaneously, climate change is intensifying and increasing the frequency of these fires, primarily due to prolonged droughts.
Forests are often cut and burned to make way for expanding agricultural production. Rising global demand pushes farmers and the agricultural industry to clear and burn more land, particularly in tropical forests. These forests are primarily converted for cattle production and soy. In rainforests, trees are cut down and left to dry before being deliberately set on fire. However, climate change has extended drought periods, leaving even standing rainforest – normally resistant to fire – so dry that it becomes highly flammable. Consequently, fires can spread from cleared areas or controlled agricultural burns into untouched forests, where they grow out of control. This process frequently impacts Indigenous Peoples’ territories.
Globally, an increasing number of forests are being degraded into savannah-like landscapes or other ecosystems because they cannot regenerate quickly enough before burning again.
Indigenous Peoples are the best guardians of the forests
Indigenous Peoples
Forests of the World partners with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to combat forest fires through prevention and swift response. We support these efforts by providing training, education, and essential equipment, including firefighting tools and transportation. Additionally, we supply advanced technology such as drones and satellite data to help monitor, prevent, and detect fires before they escalate.
Help us stop the flames
The Chiquitano people in Bolivia’s Monte Verde region urgently need your support. Extreme drought has fueled devastating forest fires, leaving many indigenous communities surrounded by flames. Forests of the World has launched an emergency fundraiser to provide medicine and equipment, ensuring local fire brigades can continue their critical work.
