Huarocondo, Cusco – In a key step toward environmental protection and community safety, the Urinsaya Ccollana farming community celebrated a significant advance in the fight against forest fires. Thanks to support from USAID/BHA, the training of community forest firefighters was successfully completed, marking a milestone in local preparedness for environmental emergencies.
The specialized training equipped participants—men, women, youth, and adults from the community—with essential skills and knowledge to prevent, detect, and fight fires effectively and safely. This initiative not only improves disaster response capabilities but also strengthens the protection of Andean ecosystems and the safety of the families who depend on them.
The president of the Urinsaya Ccollana community actively participated in the event, highlighting her ongoing commitment to protecting their territory and expressing her enthusiasm for the high level of participation and dedication shown by the attendees. “This training is a great opportunity for our community. We feel more prepared and confident,” she noted with satisfaction.
In addition to the training component, USAID/BHA made a significant donation of specialized tools, essential for the work of the new forest firefighters. Protective equipment, hand tools, and logistical materials were enthusiastically received by the community, who recognize their value for a timely and effective response.
This achievement has been made possible thanks to the collaboration between key actors such as the Regional Government of Cusco and the Regional Management of Natural Resources and Environmental Management , who have reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable and resilient territorial development.
The community expressed deep gratitude to all the institutions involved. “Together we are building a safer and more sustainable future ,” was the unanimous message at the close of the day.
