Drones Aid in Reforestation in Burned Michoacan Forests

In Michoacan, drones are being used to disperse seeds and reforest hundreds of hectares of burned forest. In 2024, 1.6 million ha burned across the country, the highest number reported in more than 25 years, according to the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR).

The initiative to use drones to aid in reforestation efforts began with the dispersal of 200,000  pre-germinated tree seeds in areas affected by forest fires using drones. These actions are part of the state reforestation campaign 2025 Let’s Sow the Future, which has already reached 86% completion across a total of 14,300ha, reported Alfredo Ramírez, Michoacan’s Governor. 

The governor explained that, through the Michoacan Forestry Commission (COFOM), 14 areas affected by forest fires will be addressed in July and August to contribute to the restoration of more than 50ha of forest. Alejandro Méndez, Michoacan’s Minister of Environment, clarified that this is a pilot program, aiming to plant 10 million trees this year, primarily in river and lake basins, protected natural areas, and zones affected by forest fires.

Ten different tree species will be planted, including Pino Moctezuma, Pino Michoacano, Tejocote, Parotilla, Pino Blanco, Tepehuaje, Cobano, Red Cedar, Rosamorada, and Parota. Moreover, researchers from Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo (UMSNH) will monitor reforestation activities to gather data that measures the effectiveness of this innovative technique and simultaneously develop applied research projects.

Authorities explained that the drones can carry up to 20kg of seeds to disperse them over the affected areas. The seeds are pre-germinated, meaning they already have roots, which will help them grow into new plants. This system mimics the natural dispersal process of species like pine trees, with the added advantage of technological precision. Manuel Gonzales, Head of Plantations at COFOM and drone operator, stated that a germination rate of at least 30% is expected.

Similar drone-based programs are also being implemented in the state of Chihuahua. The northern state government reported that, so far in 2025, over 500,000 endemic pine seeds have been dispersed in areas affected by forest fires. In this case, the seeds were coated with nutrients and natural repellents such as chili, garlic, and pepper to prevent wildlife consumption and increase their chances of establishing successfully. Javier Montaño, Head Chihuahua’s Forest Production Department, noted that the estimated germination viability is 80%.

The year 2024 was considered the most critical for forest fires in Mexico since 1998, with 1.6 million ha burned nationwide, according to CONAFOR data. César Robles, Fire Management Manager, CONAFOR, highlighted that this is a consequence of climate change, which caused prolonged droughts, heat waves, and changes in rainfall patterns in recent years.

“With drought, vegetation becomes much more prone to fire spread. In January 2024, we experienced abnormal to extreme drought conditions across more than 80% of the national territory, combined with higher temperatures. Even though rains began in mid-June, this led to much more intense, severe, dangerous, and explosive fires,” Robles said.

The states with the largest affected areas were Guerrero with 113,972ha burned; Chiapas with 41,267ha; Oaxaca with 21,608ha; Jalisco with 21,235ha; Michoacan with 12,688ha; Sinaloa with 9,237 ha; Colima with 5,445 ha; San Luis Potosí with 4,777 ha; Veracruz with 4,374 ha; and Puebla with 4,043 ha affected.

CONAFOR revealed that, nationwide, 16% of forest fires occurred in fire-sensitive ecosystems, covering 262,529ha. Additionally, they estimated that 23.4% of the fires were intentional; 17.83% resulted from agricultural activities; 13% from livestock activities; 1.34% from natural causes; and the cause of the remaining 29.8% is unknown.

Despite the damage these events can cause to forest ecosystems, José Iván Zúñiga, Forest Manager, WRI Mexico, explained that most temperate forests in Mexico are adapted to fire. Therefore, what burns does not necessarily mean a loss of forest. “Sixty-six percent of the forest area affected by fire in 2024 was in adapted ecosystems that do not suffer significant damage from fires and where fire can even be necessary for regeneration,” he said. Zúñiga added that large trees in temperate ecosystems may even benefit from fire, as it cleans their bark, thickens it, and helps prevent pests and diseases.