Bešović: Prevention is the most important step towards a safer future

Every measure that reduces the risks of disasters protects human lives and nature, said Miodrag Bešović, Director General of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, and said that prevention is the most important step towards a safer future.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) announced that the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction with the final event of the project "Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Risk Reduction through the National Forest Fire Information System and the Ecological Risk Management Concept".

Bešović said that prevention is the most important step towards a safer future, emphasizing that Montenegro is recording significant results, thanks primarily to the commitment of institutions, but also to cooperation with international partners, primarily with JICA.

"Every measure and activity we take to reduce disaster risks protects human lives, nature and our common future," said Bešović.

He added that the project places a special focus on educating young people through activities such as an art competition on the topic "European emergency number 112", which develops awareness among the youngest about the importance of prevention.

The head of JICA in Montenegro, Yuta Morikawa, thanked all partners and institutions for five years of successful cooperation.

He particularly emphasized the contribution of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue in the development of the MEFFIS forest fire management system, which, as he stated, will continue to be a key tool in strengthening Montenegro's capacities.

Morikawa emphasized the importance of measures based on nature-based solutions (Eco DRR) implemented through the Montenegrin-Japanese Promenade in Ulcinj and the forest restoration after the fire in Kolašin, and announced that the second phase of the project is already in preparation.

"I am proud that this project has been recognized as extremely successful within the framework of JICA's global activities and that it has contributed to a stronger partnership between Japan and Montenegro," said Morikawa.

The Ministry of Interior said that the event was an opportunity for expert presentations on the National Forest Fire Information System and environmental measures for disaster risk management, which presented all the possibilities of that information system to the attendees, as well as plans for improvement in the coming period.

"The event brought together representatives of state institutions, international organizations, educational institutions and students who participated in the project, who showed through creative works how young people see ways to make the world more resilient to disasters," the statement said.

It is reported that the winners of the art competition on the theme of the European emergency number 112 were officially awarded their prizes today.