Community-Based Adaptation: Land Management and Fire Prevention Techniques in the Heart of Mexico

In the heart of Mexico, the state of Guanajuato, the local Fire Brigade and volunteers unite monthly to address the effects of climate change in the region's woodlands with a strong sense of community.

"Yaotzin Fuego y Territorio", named after the Nahuatl (Aztec) word for "Great Warrior" and nicknamed "Los Chuines" after a blue bird native to the state, is a civil association dedicated to implementing nature-based solutions to address the rising threat of wildfires in the area. Twenty years ago, only five wildfires were recorded annually, whereas in 2024, that number surged to sixty-four.

This issue is a global concern. Recent wildfires on the West Coast of the USA and in Australia highlight how worsening conditions are increasing the frequency and severity of such events, often leading to catastrophic outcomes, including the loss of local wildlife and the destruction of homes and businesses. Recently, seventy-two Mexican firefighters were deployed to L.A. to assist with regional fires, demonstrating the critical importance of community-based adaptation in combating these disasters.

Yaotzin's mission is to empower people living in rural and natural environments with the capacity for sustainable territory management and resilient, adaptive responses to the socio-environmental risks posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. To achieve this, they focus on several key areas: prevention through risk mapping, fuel management, wildfire prevention workshops, weather forecasts, environmental education, and the establishment of live fences; response through the creation of wildfire response brigades and the training of volunteers; technology through the development of mobile applications and satellite monitoring of burned areas; and post-fire efforts such as socioecological restoration, reforestation, biological monitoring, biocultural heritage preservation, and territorial planning.

I had the honor of joining Los Chuines in 2024 to contribute to their vital projects. We visited a woodland slope devastated by wildfire to help restore the area and prevent further incidents. Our work included creating firebreaks, which are cleared zones with little or no vegetation, designed to halt the spread of wildfires by removing their fuel. We also built live fences by layering rocks, sticks, and drought-resistant nopal on the slopes. These structures not only act as barriers but also retain seeds during heavy rainfall, promoting new plant growth.

These techniques, rooted in Indigenous practices, have been used for millennia but are now in decline due to governmental and corporate policies. For example, controlled fires were widely practiced in California until their prohibition around 1850. These intentional, low-intensity fires reduce the risk of severe wildfires by managing vegetation and maintaining ecosystems. Indigenous fire stewardship emphasizes harmony with the land, using fire as a tool for balance rather than destruction—a wisdom we must reclaim to restore a lost equilibrium.

Incorporating native species into ecosystems is equally crucial. In California, the introduction of eucalyptus trees in the 19th century has exacerbated wildfire risks. Species like Eucalyptus globulus are highly flammable due to their oily leaves, peeling bark, and leaf litter. In contrast, native species such as the Coast Live Oak -Quercus agrifolia- are more fire-resistant, with thick bark and high canopies that mitigate wildfire risks while supporting wildlife with acorns and shelter.

The dedication of individuals involved in land restoration and fire prevention projects is inspiring and essential. Despite receiving minimal external support, Los Chuines exemplify resilience and initiative in addressing pressing climate challenges. Their work highlights the power of community-driven solutions and the energy needed to confront global issues.

Projects like Yaotzin Fuego y Territorio, with their commitment, local knowledge, and optimism, are crucial in the fight against climate change and serve as a beacon of inspiration. I encourage everyone to seek out similar initiatives in their own communities. Get your hands in the dirt, reconnect with nature, and join the effort—because we need all hands on deck.

Edited by Carlos Collado