Tolima implements recovery plans following massive forest fires

The department of Tolima, Colombia, is implementing recovery measures following devastating forest fires that affected approximately 70,000 hectares and caused estimated losses exceeding $150 billion COP.

To assist with housing reconstruction, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development issued a circular allowing residents in more than 28 affected municipalities to use 'palma amarga' (Sabal mauritiiformis) as raw material. This measure aims to facilitate rebuilding without environmental bureaucratic barriers, provided the material is used exclusively for housing and not for commercial purposes. The Ministry has requested Cortolima to prioritize the registration of these plantations and facilitate transport permits.

Simultaneously, the Government of Tolima, the Chamber of Commerce of Ibagué, and the CUMBRE program have launched a diagnostic strategy to characterize rural production losses. Using tools like KoboToolbox for georeferencing, authorities are conducting field assessments to implement an Integral Productive Reactivation Plan. Initial efforts in Valle de San Juan have already begun characterizing affected households and providing psychosocial support to families impacted by the fires.