As a sign of its commitment and solidarity to support its founding member in emergency relief efforts, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) approved a new US$100,000 grant to the Republic of Guatemala to strengthen the country’s efforts to control and combat 112 active forest and non-forest fires affecting various areas of the country.
The resources donated by CABEI will be executed with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which will coordinate the activities contemplated as part of this emergency assistance.
The funds, which are in addition to the US$78,848 granted by the Bank in April for a total of US$178,848, will be used primarily to implement aerial firefighting strategies, among other actions, as a crucial measure to increase the efficiency and speed of firefighting operations. This approach will allow a more direct and efficient attack on fire outbreaks, minimizing damage to the ecosystem and reducing the risk to nearby communities.
The institutions of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), together with departmental governments, municipalities, and community organizations, continue to respond to the increase in fires due to weather conditions.
The departments of Petén, Alta Verapaz, Quiché, and Huehuetenango have the highest number of fires and are carrying out land and air operations to combat, control, and liquidate them as soon as possible in order to safeguard natural resources.
