A National Plan for the Prevention of Forest Fires Contingency was launched by the authorities yesterday with the objective of reducing the loss of forests by 20% in 2006. Diario Libre reports that the initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, and includes surveillance, the training of firemen, rehabilitation of paths and trails. Last year, fires affected more than 12,500 hectares of forests, including national parks, protected areas and agricultural land.