A pact between institutions, local authorities, and the agricultural sector to stop fires before they become emergencies . This is what emerged from the meeting "Together against the risk of fires – Let's put out the fire, let's raise awareness," promoted by Coldiretti Nuoro Ogliastra, which today brought together the Region, Prefecture, Province, Municipality, Civil Protection, Forestry Corps, Fire Brigade, schools, and representatives of the agricultural and livestock sectors.

A day of discussion to build a shared strategy against one of the most serious plagues affecting the island, just as the first waves of heat and wind bring the threat of wildfires to the forefront.

THE DAMAGE – The data speaks for itself: every year in Sardinia , hectares of pastures and crops are reduced to ashes , agricultural and livestock farms see the loss of fodder, facilities, and investments, while dozens of livestock and wildlife fall victim to the fires . The damage is measured in millions of euros , but above all, it leaves profound scars on the social and economic fabric of inland areas.

THE PACT – Hence Coldiretti Nuoro Ogliastra's decision to take a leading role, bringing together the various local stakeholders. Because the battle against fires cannot be fought only during emergencies but must begin with prevention, collaboration, and the daily presence of those who live and work in the countryside.

"We wanted to bring together all the organizations with responsibilities and expertise in fire prevention and firefighting," explains Coldiretti Nuoro Ogliastra President Leonardo Salis. "From this day, a shared belief emerges: protecting the territory cannot be color-coded or affiliated, but requires collaboration, coordination, and a shared vision."

TERRITORIAL SENTINELS – In this context , according to Coldiretti, the role of farmers and ranchers becomes strategic : "Farms represent a permanent presence in the territory, contributing to the maintenance of the countryside and often acting as the first barrier against degradation, abandonment, and the risk of fires," emphasizes director Alessandro Serra. " Where there is a human presence, where there are active businesses and communities that experience the territory every day, the capacity for monitoring and prevention increases ."

Behind every burned hectare, Serra reminds us, "there is not only environmental damage, but also the work of farmers and ranchers, disappearing production, and businesses at risk of going out of business."

Hence the appeal: "Keeping rural areas alive, supporting those who continue to work inland, and enhancing the role of farmers means strengthening land protection and building a safer and more resilient Sardinia."

THE PARTICIPANTS – In addition to the leaders of Coldiretti Nuoro Ogliastra, the event also saw the participation of the Mayor of Nuoro, Emiliano Fenu; the headmaster of the Brau Institute, Carla Marchetti; the Prefect of Nuoro, Alessandra Nigro; the President of the Province, Giuseppe Ciccolini; the regional councilors for the Environment and Agriculture, Rosanna Laconi and Francesco Agus; the Director General of the Civil Protection Agency of Sardinia, Mauro Merella; the Director of the Forestry Corps, Nuoro Territorial Service, Gonaria Dettori; and the provincial commander of the Nuoro Fire Brigade, Salvatore Corrao. Journalist Giuseppe Deiana moderated the meeting.

(Unioneonline)

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