The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Montenegro acquired and donated valuable firefighting equipment to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), UNDP announced today.
"In recent weeks, numerous fires have caused significant damage and threatened the environment, the economy and the health of the citizens of Montenegro. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and expressing concern about the escalation of this crisis, UNDP in Montenegro offered support to the MUP in the form of the procurement of equipment that will to make it easier for MUP teams to fight fires, as well as for the preservation of property and people. UNDP acquired 70 knapsacks (backpacks with water), 23 fire extinguishers, 100 fire hoses and 20 fire hose nozzles of this, a certain number of firefighting suits will be procured for the members of the MUP teams who make superhuman efforts in the field every day to contain the fires," the announcement states.
The UNDP added that their support to the MUP is reflected not only in the procurement of equipment, but also in the provision of necessary training for local communities, in order to prevent fires, and when they occur, they can provide adequate support to members of the fire service.
"In cooperation with the disaster risk reduction sector of the MUP, at least two comprehensive training programs will be organized, which will include fire prevention, fire suppression techniques and safety protocols. The goal of this UNDP initiative is to strengthen capacities and improve communication and coordination between fire services and local communities, in order to improve efforts in preparation and joint response to fires," said UNDP.
They said that keeping in mind that fires represent multiple dangers for the environment and human lives, UNDP will support the MUP in developing a long-term strategy for the prevention and management of forest fires in Montenegro.
"This strategy will include the mapping of areas of high fire risk, the development of early warning systems, the promotion of sustainable forest management and the raising of public awareness of fire prevention. UNDP acknowledges the teams of the Ministry of Interior and their efforts in fighting fires. At UNDP, we believe that by working together, we can effectively respond to crisis situations, support local communities in strengthening their capacities for prevention, response and recovery from these disasters and build more resilient communities," concludes the UNDP announcement.
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