Cover photo: The Priority Andean Forests Program team was recognized for their work on the southern slope of Tunari National Park.
The Government of Cochabamba recognized Asociación Armonía for its outstanding work in risk management and forest fire control. The event took place on Monday, October 14 at the Casa de las Culturas, as part of the commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, celebrated on October 13.
“We thank the Government of Cochabamba for granting us this recognition and, above all, for collaborating in the consolidation of community brigades belonging to District 3 of the municipality of Tiquipaya. Especially in training in the application of the Bolivian Incident Command System (SCI – B), a key tool for coordinating the response to forest fires,” said Rodrigo Soria, executive director of Asociación Armonía.
During the ceremony, the Governor of Cochabamba, Humberto Sánchez, highlighted the importance of inter-institutional collaboration to address emergencies, reduce risks and preserve our most vulnerable ecosystems. “On behalf of the Departmental Government of Cochabamba, I want to thank and congratulate all the volunteer groups that today receive their well-deserved recognition. We are especially grateful to the foundations and organizations that, without expecting anything in return, act with solidarity and commitment towards these groups. Their work is crucial, especially in times of adversity, such as when they support the population affected by natural disasters, both in Cochabamba and throughout the country,” said the departmental authority.
Photo: Part of the Tunari program team receiving recognition from the Government of Cochabamba.
Advanced training for forest community members
Since 2022, Asociación Armonía has provided training to the communities of District 3 in forest fire control to protect the native forests of Kewiña. In 2023 and 2024, these trainings were extended to advanced courses in organization and strategies for fire management, with special emphasis on the application of the SCI-B.
In June 2024, the five communities of district 3 of Tiquipaya and two communities of Quillacollo consolidated their community brigades through an advanced course in strategies and techniques for fighting forest fires. In July of the same year, a fire drill was conducted in the La Phia de Tiquipaya community to evaluate the application of the community action protocol, with the participation of the departmental and municipal UGRyD, the SERNAP PNT and the Jampina Huasi health post. These efforts strengthen the communities’ capacity to deal with emergencies and protect native forests.
Photos: Carol Ballesteros, Armonía