UNDP provides firefighting equipment to the Ministry of the Interior

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro has purchased and provided valuable firefighting equipment to the Ministry of the Interior (MoI).

Numerous fires in recent weeks have caused significant damage and posed threats to the environment, economy, and health of the citizens of Montenegro. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and expressing concern over the escalation of this crisis, UNDP in Montenegro has offered support to the MoI by providing equipment that will assist their teams in fighting fires and protecting property and lives.

UNDP has procured 70 water backpacks, 23 firefighting brooms, 100 firehoses and 20 firehoses nozzle for the fire hoses for the MoI. In addition, a number of firefighting suits will be acquired for the MoI teams, who are making extraordinary efforts on the ground to contain the fires.

UNDP’s support to the MoI extends beyond equipment procurement. It also includes providing necessary training for local communities to prevent fires and, when they occur, to adequately support firefighting services.

In collaboration with the Disaster Risk Reduction Sector at the MoI, at least two comprehensive training programs will be organized, covering fire prevention, firefighting techniques, and safety protocols. The aim of this UNDP initiative is to strengthen the capacity and improve communication and coordination between firefighting services and local communities, thereby enhancing preparedness and joint response efforts to fires.

Considering that fires pose a multiple threat to the environment and human lives, UNDP will support the Ministry of the Interior in developing a long-term strategy for forest fire prevention and management in Montenegro. This strategy will include mapping high-risk fire areas, developing early warning systems, promoting sustainable forest management, and raising public awareness about fire prevention.

UNDP commends the efforts of the Ministry of the Interior teams in fighting the fires. At UNDP, we believe that through joint efforts, 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.