Experts meet in Peru to protect Amazonian forests

by AmericasBreaking News

Experts from five countries have met in Lima, Peru to update the “Prevention Backpack” with the Integrated Fire Management approach.

The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp), an agency attached to the Ministry of the Environment and the Supervisory Agency for Forest Resources and Wildlife (Osinfor), with technical and financial support from the German Cooperation (GIZ), inaugurated the first technical meeting of experts in forest fire prevention in Lima.

“Forest Fire Prevention Backpack”

The meeting aims to update the renowned “Forest Fire Prevention Backpack”, an innovative tool that now incorporates the Integrated Fire Management (IFM) approach to strengthen the protection of Amazonian forests.

The “Prevention Backpack” is a tool that is built in a participatory and playful way using everyday items to teach rural, native and farming communities how to recognize risks, prevent forest fires and respond in their initial stages.

With the support of park rangers as facilitators, the community incorporates prevention messages and generates knowledge based on their own experiences in the area.

Impact and effectiveness

The impact of this tool has transcended borders. In recent years, it has been implemented in Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil, sparking interest in more countries in the region.

Its effectiveness has led to its inclusion in the 2025-2026 Biennial Plan of the Amazonian Forest Fire Network (RAMIF) of the ACTO member countries, as well as in the Prevention Group of the Latin American Forest Fire Experts Platform (GEFFLac), supported by the European Union.

Recognized as an international best practice, the Prevention Backpack is once again at the heart of regional cooperation.

With representatives from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru, this first technical meeting aims to gather experiences and develop an updated model, replicable throughout the Amazon basin, thereby strengthening the joint response to one of the region’s greatest environmental threats.

Under an Integrated Fire Management approach, the goal is to value the best practices of local communities, recognize the ecological role of fire and its responsible use in the context of climate change.

This process represents both a challenge and an opportunity that Sernanp and Osinfor are embracing with leadership.

Experts meet in Peru to protect Amazonian forests: Summary

Experts from five countries have met in Lima, Peru to update the “Prevention Backpack” with the Integrated Fire Management approach.

Amazon removes balcony barbecues over fire risk fears

by Active

Retail giant Amazon has removed a number of barbecues specifically designed for use on balconies from sale over serious safety concerns highlighted by London Fire Brigade.

The Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills wrote to the firm and other companies that stock or manufacture the products last month, stating that they are a serious concern with regards to public safety.

Amazon and gift retailer Menkind both responded, confirming they had removed the items from sale and contacted customers who had purchased them offering a full refund if they return or dispose of the barbecues.

Deputy Commissioner Mills is now urgently asking anyone who has purchased such a barbecue and have received an email from one of these companies not to ignore it and to take the risks seriously. If customers have purchased a balcony barbecue from another outlet, they must contact the company and raise the issue if they haven’t heard from them.

He said: “We welcome the prompt and crucial action taken by both Menkind and Amazon in response to the concerns we raised.

“We advise that people never barbecue on their balconies as balcony fires can be devastating.

“Products designed specifically for people to barbecue on their balconies are incredibly irresponsible, and we are now asking customers to take action immediately and not to ignore the warning.

“The fact these companies took such swift action to take these products off the shelves shows what a very real risk they are. However, we remain deeply concerned that other companies did not respond to my letter and that these products may still be available for sale and customers are unaware of the dangers of using them.”

Amazon spokesperson said: “Safety is extremely important to Amazon. As soon as the London Fire Brigade raised concerns and new evidence about these particular products we took quick action, removed them from sale and contacted customers. We value the expertise of the London Fire Brigade and are committed to working closely with them and other relevant authorities on these matters. If customers ever have a concern about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service team directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

Firefighters have attended more than 600 balcony fires in London in the last three years, including one at a block of flats in Deptford in May which was caused by a barbecue being disposed of in a plastic bag. Dozens of residents were evacuated from the building and a number of people were permanently displaced.

Menkind’s Marketing Director, Fred Prego, said: “Our customers’ health and safety is of utmost importance and we have taken swift action following fire safety concerns from the London Fire Brigade over the balcony barbecue product.

“We immediately removed this product from sale and contacted Menkind customers who purchased it, advising them not to use it on balconies and that they can return it for a full refund.

“Menkind is committed to complying with the latest product safety laws and regulations and we continuously collaborate with relevant authorities on the matter.”