Wildfire firefighting programmes supported across Guatemala

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reported a series of actions to support wildfire firefighting and forest protection in Guatemala.

According to IUCN, four ongoing initiatives in the country have helped prevent and combat wildfires during the 2023–2024 season.

The IUCN cited data from Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), which recorded 2,635 wildfire incidents during the 2023–2024 season, affecting 193,940 hectares.

This marks an increase from the 790 incidents reported in the 2021–2022 period.

Training and resources deployed to prevent forest fires

The IUCN explained that the Resilient Plateau national project and three regional programmes are contributing to wildfire prevention efforts.

These are the EbA LAC project, the Biodiversity Program Linking the Central American Landscape, and the Protection of Natural Resources in the Mayan Jungle II.

The organisation said these projects are funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, and multiple German government agencies.

According to the IUCN, these efforts include training firefighters and rangers, sharing knowledge between forest professionals, and supplying equipment and personal protective gear.

In 2024, Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas certified seven individuals in Guatemala through USAID’s forest firefighter protocol.

These individuals represented three IUCN member groups in the country: the National Council of Protected Areas, the Defenders of Nature Foundation, and the Foundation for Eco-Development and Conservation.

Combat measures implemented during 2023–2024 season

The IUCN reported that it contracted helicopter flight hours in Totonicapán, Tecpán, Cerro San Gil and Sierra de las Minas to support wildfire response.

Additional support included the delivery of protective gear and supplies to forestry crews, such as boots, goggles, masks and fire extinguishers.

The IUCN added that four brigades in Chimaltenango and two in Quiché were reinforced through these measures.

A partnership with Rafael Landívar University led to the launch of the Territory and Climate Observatory, which includes a fire early warning system.

The organisation stated that its 2024 investment in fire prevention and control projects in Guatemala exceeded USD 110,000.

Forest recovery and regional cooperation underway

IUCN stated that more than 10,000 hectares of forest were protected through preventive work in the western highlands.

Six fire brigades were strengthened, with additional units established in Paquí and Chicaxtún.

Over 40 individuals were trained in fire prevention, control and response.

In 2024, a tri-national agreement was reached between Belize, Mexico and Guatemala for joint fire control actions in the Selva Maya.

The IUCN reported that 45 percent of its Guatemala membership is involved in forest fire-related actions.

This includes government institutions, environmental organisations, and community associations.

Restoration efforts and 2025 investment plan

IUCN stated that it supported the delivery of 236,000 forest plants in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture for post-fire restoration.

The organisation said that nearly 95 hectares in Izabal, Zacapa, Alta and Baja Verapaz are set for restoration, and 21 hectares in the Punta de Manabique reserve received forestry incentives.

IUCN Guatemala also held workshops for municipal foresters and helped maintain firebreaks in degraded areas.

For 2025, the IUCN plans to invest more than USD 200,000 in fire management measures.

The organisation confirmed it is participating in Guatemala’s 2025 “Wake Up, Act, Protect” campaign aimed at raising public awareness on fire prevention and forest conservation.

Forest fire prevention in Guatemala: Summary

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reported its support for wildfire prevention and response across Guatemala.

According to the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), the 2023–2024 wildfire season resulted in 2,635 fires.

The IUCN is delivering four initiatives in Guatemala focused on fire prevention, training, equipment and restoration.

The organisation has funded training for forestry crews and supplied gear including protective clothing and tools.

Helicopter services were used in several regions to support fire control.

A new early warning system was developed in partnership with Rafael Landívar University.

The IUCN reported investing more than USD 110,000 in forest fire activities in 2024.

Over 10,000 hectares were protected through patrols and incentive programmes.

New fire brigades were formed and over 40 people were trained.

Restoration plans include delivering 236,000 plants and restoring more than 100 hectares.

In 2025, over USD 200,000 is planned for additional fire management investment.

The IUCN is also taking part in Guatemala’s “Wake Up, Act, Protect 2025” campaign.