Problem Statement

The "fire-climate feedback loop" is pushing our planet to the brink, and the expansion of human activities into forested areas only exacerbates the problem.

Target Group

Housing and student communities in Tijuana need knowledge and resources to be more resilient to the challenges of a changing climate to increase overall safety.

Particularly we identified two vulnerable communities: the population inhabitant of the Porticos del Lago II and El Lago II neighborhoods as well as the student and academic community of the Autonomous University of Baja California Campus Valle de las Palmas.

Both communities, in addition to the risk of the annual forest fire seasons, are also known as spaces where violence and insecurity is present every day. It is essential to address prevention, preparation and effective response to these fires to increase the adaptation and resilience of vulnerable communities to increase support networks in the face of this type of emergency.

Proposed Solution

We propose the project “Workshops of wildFire resilience” that aims to build resilience in the face of climate change and break the destructive feedback loop through the following key actions:

• Community Education: We will provide vital education on fire prevention, sustainable fire management practices, and the science behind the fire-climate feedback loop. Knowledge is our first line of defense.


• Ecosystem Restoration: We will engage in ecosystem restoration efforts, including reforestation with native plants and soil improvement projects. Healthy ecosystems are less susceptible to extreme fires and can capture carbon, reducing emissions.


• Emergency Response Preparedness: Building resilient communities means preparing for the worst. We will empower communities with emergency response plans tailored to the threat of forest fires, ensuring swift and coordinated actions during crises.

Hub Activities

Implement three different workshops in the two identified communities over a period of 18 weeks, as well as develop a Good Practices Manual on sustainable fire management and the family/school emergency plan.

Short and Long-Term Objectives

In the short term we will have support networks formed and prepared for emergencies related to fire but which can also be useful for other types of emergencies such as earthquakes or floods.

Similarly, they will have information about the relevant institutions to respond to the call to prevent or act during the fire season.

In the long-term, public awareness can promote behavioral changes and encourage the adoption of more sustainable fire management practices. Communities will be more resilient in the face of forest fire emergencies with greater support networks for environmental emergencies. Increased security in the Restored ecosystem with native plants and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Fewer forest fires in peri-urban areas.

Available Metrics

We expect to train 80 people in 5 educational institutions, plant 200 native plants, deliver 100 emergency guides, create 2 composting areas enabled with EcoMural, create 3 video webinars for public consultation, achieve 200 manual downloads and 50,000 reach on social networks

Collaborators

Civil Associations Nación Verde A.C. Materia Verde A.C.

Universities: Cetys Universidad Campus Tijuana. Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Campus Valle de las Palmas.