Vol. 6 No. 2 (2016): Fire Management in Protected Areas

#AudioDescription: The cover of the scientific journal BioBrasil – Brazilian Biodiversity features a composition of images that portray with intensity and clarity the work of fire management in protected natural areas. The earthy-brown background reinforces the connection with the soil, the earth, and the natural cycles of fire in ecosystems. The arrangement of the photographs reveals different moments of the controlled use of fire and the fighting of forest fires. In the upper left corner, a man manipulates a fire hose amid dry vegetation, under controlled flames, in a scene captured by Aurelice Vasconcelos. Beside it, we see a nighttime burning, with lines of fire tracing the ground under the watchful eye of a professional, with dramatic lighting. Below, two other images portray the fire advancing in open and savannah landscapes, under a clear sky – in one of them, a firefighter walks with equipment amid the flames. A striking image shows the intensity of the fire illuminating the night, with firefighters in full action. In contrast, there are also scenes of community engagement: a group of people gathered around maps and posters, planning the use of fire with social participation. In the lower right corner, a team dressed in yellow firefighter uniforms poses for a photo with work materials in hand, conveying preparation and organization. Finally, a featured image shows intense flames rising among the vegetation, capturing the visual power of fire in action. The photographs were taken by Aurelice Vasconcelos, Vanessa Oliveira and members of the PNCM (National Fire Management Program) Archive and convey the complexity of fire as a natural element and a conscious management tool, essential for the maintenance of certain biomes and the prevention of large fires. At the top of the cover is the logo of the BioBrasil magazine, followed by the subtitle “Biodiversidade Brasileira – Revista Científica”. The logo of ICMBio – Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade with the MMA – Ministry of the Environment brand appears in the lower left corner along with the names of the thematic editors. At the bottom you can read the title of the edition: “Thematic Issue: Fire Management in Protected Areas Year 6 – Number 2 – 2016”.