Uncontrolled slash-and-burn fires devastate Macossa

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Uncontrolled slash-and-burn fires devastate Macossa

4:40 CAT | 19 Oct 2022

Illustrative photo: Notícias

An unspecified area of forest has been devastated this year by uncontrolled slash-and-burn fires in Macossa district, in the north of Manica province, activity encouraged by the opening of new agricultural fields and poaching.

According to Zeca Mário, head of the Environmental Management Department at the District Planning and Infrastructure Service (SDPI), many uncontrolled fires happen in Coutada Nº. 13, which is vulnerable since it has no operator, while in Coutada Nº. 9, the fires have been reduced by inspectors.

Mário says that, in addition to deforestation, uncontrolled slash-and-burn fires have destroyed 11 houses built with precarious materials and three barns in the administrative post of Macossa-Sede.

To minimise this practice, which is harmful to the environment, government authorities have put up signs prohibiting fires in regions prone to the phenomenon, Mário said.

‘Cold’, or controlled slash-and-burn fires were also used, so as to minimise deforestation.

Mário also noted that the distribution of improved bee hives was among the activities included in actions to combat fires, around 30 hives having been distributed by the Provincial Executive Council this year.

Source: Notícias