SAFCA 2025: Strengthening Wildfire Response and Collaboration for Conservation and Local Empowerment
- Maia Galmés Feuer
- 9. maj
- 3 min læsning
From May 6 to May 8, the SAFCA environmental organizations gathered in Santiago de Chiquitos for the fourth alliance workshop. This year, the workshop was organized by our partners Fundación para la Conservación del Bosque Chiquitano – FCBC, and it was formed by representatives of Conservación Amazónica – ACCA, Conservación Amazónica – ACEAA and Aktion Amazonas - AKAM.
The event provided a platform for each partner, as well as other conservation experts, and local authorities, to discuss pressing environmental challenges, ranging from wildfire response to locally led development and sustainable forest economies.
Day 1: Lessons from 2024 Wildfires, and Future prevention and funding opportunities
The first day of discussions focused on wildfires, reflecting on the devastating 2024 fire season and the measures needed to prevent future disasters. Representatives from ACCA and FCBC shared firsthand experiences, outlining effective strategies for early detection and rapid response. Authorities and firefighters who had directly confronted the fires offered insights into the operational challenges of large-scale firefighting efforts and highlighted the importance of early detection, community training, and cross-organizational collaboration.
A crucial part of the discussion was funding, and about how SAFCA can secure financial support for fire prevention and response. Participants explored potential partnerships with international donors and examined the role of media engagement in mobilizing resources.
The afternoon plenary centered on actionable solutions, including the formation of local fire brigades, the establishment of equipment depots, and community-driven reforestation initiatives to prevent burned areas from being converted into agricultural land.
Day 2: Human Rights, Gender Policies, Shifting the Power and SAFCA’s Future
Transitioning from emergency response to long-term advocacy, the second day of the workshop addressed broader structural challenges in conservation. A dedicated session on human rights-based approaches (HRBA) explored how SAFCA can integrate cultural sensitive gender perspectives, equitable participation, and legal protections into its projects and colloboractions with indigenous people and rural communities.
A keynote presentation by Ditlev Damhus, project coordinator at Aktion Amazonas, introduced the concept of locally led development, known as "Shifting the Power." This framework emphasizes empowering local communities as decision-makers, reducing dependence on external interventions, and securing sustainable financial autonomy. The discussion generated a lively exchange on how SAFCA’s partners could apply this approach to conservation and advocacy work in Bolivia and Peru.
The day concluded with reflections on SAFCA’s future: how the alliance can evolve as a strategic tool for securing funding, representing conservation interests in global forums, and expanding collaboration across South America.
Day 3: Forest-Based Livelihoods and Market Access
The final day of the workshop focused on economic sustainability and the role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in conservation. Organizations such as ACEAA shared insights into scaling sustainable production models while navigating regulatory challenges.
A presentation by Bo Karlsen, engagement coordinator at Aktion Amazonas, provided crucial updates on the European Union's Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), outlining its implications for South American producers and conservation efforts. The discussion explored how SAFCA could leverage this new regulatory framework to strengthen its advocacy and support sustainable supply chains.
The workshop concluded with discussions from ACCA on accessing international markets, participation in global conferences, and strategies for improving SAFCA’s visibility on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
The SAFCA 2025 workshop reinforced the alliance’s commitment to proactive wildfire management, human rights-driven conservation, and sustainable economic models. The presentations led by Aktion Amazonas played a central role in shaping discussions on community empowerment and policy engagement.
As SAFCA continues to evolve, the insights gained from this workshop will guide its efforts in securing funding, strengthening local leadership, and expanding conservation initiatives across South America.
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