Environmentalists Urge Ban on Slash-and-Burn Amid Wildfire Crisis

Several environmentalists and farmers from southern Belize have called for the government to ban the use of the slash-and-burn technique. The call comes after hundreds of families and farmers have been impacted by wildfires that scorched the Toledo District. While many of the fires were caused by the prolonged heat and dry conditions, quite a number were deliberately lit by farmers unable to contain the flames. Since then, discussions have increased surrounding the ban of the harmful practice. However, according to Minister of Disaster Risk Management it’s not that easy.