The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve REDD Project

elements and an assessment of the Project Area to developprocedures and training around fire prevention, response, andrehabilitation.A Guard Post and Fire Tower in the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, built byOFI & Infinite-­‐Earth.To ensure the permanence of the project, the budget calls for theconstruction of five fire towers across the Project Area, the hiringand training of a six-­‐person Fire Brigade, and the purchase ofstate-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art fire response technology – including airboats,swamp buggies, and water cannons – specifically designed forswamp forests and tested in swampland regions such as theFlorida Everglades National Park in the southeastern UnitedStates. Airboats have been used effectively to create fire breaksin tall grasses in a matter of minutes. Airboats and swampbuggies equipped with 1700 gmp water cannons will provideimmediate access to virtually any environment within theReserve and can cut forest loss by 75% compared toconventional, manual suppression techniques.The current budget calls for the construction of four guard postsper year for the first five years of the project, for a total of 20guard posts. During the first year of operations, 35 guards will behired, equipped, and provided with GIS and patrol training. Thenetwork of guards and guard posts will allow for comprehensiveprotection of the Project Area against illegal logging, poaching,and encroachment by oil palm plantations.Fire Plan. In past years, largely due to the practices of palm oilplantations within the Project Zone, fires have periodically sweptthrough the Project Area and the park during dry periods. TheRimba Raya project will create a fire response system, includingtraining and equipping a fire brigade and developing a fireresponse plan for the reserve in conjunction with guard towersand stations. The Fire Plan will include an institutionalcomponent addressing capital, personnel, and organizationalThis innovative, amphibious emergency vehicle combines the versatility ofan airboat with full fire-­‐fighting, EMS, and rescue capabilities.128