Belarus is stepping up efforts to protect its forests—covering over 40% of the country’s territory—through a new UNDP initiative supported by China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund. The project, Safeguarding Forests of Belarus, aims to combine modern firefighting equipment with community-based prevention networks to tackle escalating wildfire threats driven by shifting climate patterns.
The urgency is clear. In just the first half of 2025, fires destroyed 1,220 hectares of forest, while unusual winter fires and prolonged dry periods highlight the country’s growing vulnerability. Forester Pavel Verteyko, who once battled a massive blaze days after his wedding in 2014, recalls the dangers of outdated tools and poor communications. The new project directly addresses these gaps by providing radios, pumps, generators, protective gear, and portable fire suppression units, ensuring faster, safer operations in remote areas where mobile networks are unreliable.
Beyond equipment upgrades, the initiative emphasizes local engagement, creating volunteer networks trained to detect and report fires early. This community-centered strategy reflects a wider recognition that professional services alone cannot manage increasing wildfire risks.
UNDP officials say the project showcases the power of South-South cooperation, enabling countries to share expertise and strengthen self-reliance while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Verteyko believes the support will dramatically improve response times and decision-making, reinforcing his core mission: “Protecting nature’s gifts for future generations.”
The lessons from Belarus could guide similar fire-prevention efforts in other vulnerable regions as climate pressures intensify worldwide.
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