Background on the Issue
Michoacán, a Mexican state slightly larger than Costa Rica, is one of the regions with the highest incidence of forest fires in the country, alongside Mexico City and the central Estado de México. In 2024, Mexico experienced one of its most critical years for forest fires, with 1.6 million hectares burned nationwide, according to the National Forest Commission (CONAFOR).
Innovative Reforestation Efforts
To combat this issue, authorities in Michoacán are utilizing drones to scatter pre-germinated seeds over burned forest areas, aiming to reforest hundreds of hectares. This modern approach complements traditional reforestation methods, which involve physically planting trees.
Martha Beatriz Rendón, the Forestry Commissioner of Michoacán, explained that drones are particularly helpful in reaching areas where traditional methods are challenging due to difficult terrain or limited access.
The drones can carry up to 20 kilograms of seeds, ensuring their distribution across the affected area. Pre-germinated seeds, which come with a root already developed, increase the chances of successful plant growth.
Un dron agrícola carga semillas de tejocote (Crataegus mexicana), pino (Pinus) y encino (Quercus).
Progress and Challenges
In 2024, approximately 97,000 hectares of forest were burned in Michoacán, and by mid-2025, another 36,000 hectares had been affected. Manuel Gonzales, head of plantations at the Forestry Commission and drone operator, stated that post-fire, vegetation is removed, allowing drones to directly deposit seeds onto the soil.
Gonzales expressed optimism about achieving at least a 30% germination rate.
Authorities also collaborate with local communities, who often provide seeds and support traditional reforestation efforts.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue being addressed? The high incidence of forest fires in Michoacán, Mexico, and the subsequent need for effective reforestation.
- How are authorities tackling this problem? By employing drones to scatter pre-germinated seeds over burned forest areas, supplementing traditional reforestation methods.
- Why are drones being used in this process? Drones help reach areas that are difficult to access or where traditional methods are challenging due to terrain limitations.
- What types of seeds are being used? The drones scatter pre-germinated seeds of tejocote (Crataegus mexicana), pino (Pinus), and encino (Quercus).
- What are the challenges in this reforestation effort? Despite progress, approximately 97,000 hectares were burned in 2024 and another 36,000 hectares have been affected so far in 2025. Authorities aim for at least a 30% germination rate.
- How do local communities contribute to this effort? Communities often provide seeds and support traditional reforestation methods.
