Wildfires in the southern and western districts continue to rage and today APAMO has referred to this fire season as unprecedented. In a press release, they say the fires normally affect the MPR Forest Reserve and the open savannahs, but year, they are impacting communities and livelihoods.
The fight against these fires is a combined effort by NEMO and the APAMO member organizations, including Itzamna, Ya'axche Conservation Trust and Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Other NGO's like Belize Audubon Society, FCD, and TIDE have also been a big help.
However, APAMO expressed their concern that while there is the mobilization of resources, and while they accept some of the fires were not preventable, they have learnt that several fires have been deliberately set by farmers. APAMO says that these individuals have ignored the increased risk posed by lighting these fires at this time.
They also reveal that some farmers have exploited this natural disaster for personal gain by intentionally burning large areas to clear land for purposes other than farming.
APAMO then writes, "This reckless behaviour not only endangers our ecosystems but also undermines the collective efforts to safeguard our environment. We call upon the relevant government authorities to thoroughly investigate these incidents and hold those responsible accountable." End quote.
