EP-JSLP Fire Response: Prevent Late-Season Fires!

Fire Destroys Forests and Lives

The fire danger season is approaching. Wildfires destroy our forests and rangelands, releasing smoke and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change and can affect seasonal rainfall patterns.

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, with support from the World Bank, is implementing the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP). Working through traditional leaders, EP-JSLP is supporting community groups to protect, manage, control access to, and sustainably utilise their surrounding forests.

With support from EP-JSLP, the Forestry Department is working with communities to develop fire management plans, conduct fire awareness campaigns, and strengthen community preparedness to prevent and control late-season wildfires. These fires destroy forests and the valuable forest products that households rely on for their livelihoods and well-being.

Reducing forest fires also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. These reductions can be measured and monetised through the EP-JSLP Carbon Trading Scheme, with revenues shared among participating communities.

Late-season fires don’t just burn forests they burn community income and future opportunities.

Together, let us prevent wildfires, protect our forests, and secure a greener, more prosperous future for our communities.

#StopWildfires #ProtectOurForests #ProtectOurFuture #FireSmartCommunities #CarbonForCommunities #EPJSLP