CONTEXTUALIZATION 

In 2024, the state of Mato Grosso faced an alarming increase in fire outbreaks, particularly during the months of August and September, when forest fires intensified significantly. This situation is primarily the result of a prolonged drought and the improper or unauthorized use of fire as a common practice for land clearing and occupation. The lack of rapid response mechanisms compromises the ability of the Mato Grosso Military Fire Department (CBMMT) to effectively monitor, inspect, prevent, and combat these environmental incidents.

Given the vast territorial area of the state, it is essential to expand CBMMT’s structure to improve emergency response and enhance enforcement efforts, aiming to curb illegal practices that contribute to forest fires. This will be achieved through the acquisition of a helicopter, the establishment of aerial operation bases, and the provision of specialized equipment for firefighting and inspection, including drones, gloves, leaf blowers, and balaclavas.

In addition to strengthening the aerial fleet and operational infrastructure, the following initiatives are planned:

(i) training programs for public agents;
(ii) an environmental education program focused on the prevention of unauthorized burning and the reduction of forest fires, which includes educational campaigns, distribution of informational materials to raise community awareness, and the annual implementation of the Forest Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week (SP2IF), aimed at raising public awareness about the risks and impacts of illegal burning; and
(iii) the acquisition of new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to replace damaged gear and equip new temporary CBMMT personnel engaged in combating forest fires across the state.

THE PROJECT

The project is divided into two components:

1. Institutional Strengthening, Equipment, and Structuring Component:

• Trained Public Agents:
  Training of Military Firefighters/Public Agents in the prevention, combat, monitoring, and inspection of forest fires.

• Infrastructure and Equipment:
  i) Expansion of CBMMT’s aerial fleet, strengthening its operational structure, especially the Military Firefighter Aviation Group (GAvBM); and
  ii) Structuring of temporary air bases for the takeoff and landing of rotary-wing aircraft.

2. Prevention, Combat, Monitoring, and Inspection Component:

• Implementation of educational campaigns to raise public awareness about alternative practices to the use of fire and techniques for forest fire prevention and control, including training for technicians, firefighters, farmers, rural producers, and local communities;

• Execution of missions for hotspot verification and the combat of forest fires and unauthorized burnings;

• Training of firefighters and implementation of mixed brigades for forest fire combat;

• Support for inspection missions through the acquisition of fuel and insurance for the helicopter.

Expected Results:

• Strengthening and expansion of prevention and combat actions against forest fires and unauthorized burnings, aiming to prevent and combat deforestation and forest degradation in the State of Mato Grosso;

• Reduction of forest fires and unauthorized burnings in the State of Mato Grosso;

• Expansion of enforcement actions and accountability for environmental violations related to forest fires and unauthorized burnings;

• Improved logistical efficiency and rapid response in rescue and emergency situations.

INTERVENTION LOGIC

The project is part of the 'Monitoring and Control' component (2) of the Amazon Fund’s Logical Framework, contributing to the Direct Effect 2.1 - Structured and modernized environmental monitoring, control, and accountability institutions.