MINSK, 23 July (BelTA) - China will provide $2 million to Belarus to purchase wildland fire equipment. A ceremony to launch the project "Forest protection in Belarus: a comprehensive initiative to enhance local-level fire prevention and response capabilities" took place in Minsk, BelTA learned.
This marks the first time in the history of sovereign Belarus that the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (under the government of the People's Republic of China) has allocated funding specifically for wildland fire equipment. The amount of financial assistance provided through the cooperation between the Ministry of Forestry of Belarus and UNDP totals $2 million.
The project launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Belarusian Forestry Ministry, including Minister Aleksandr Kulik, alongside, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan and UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Renfei Liu.
In turn, UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Renfei Liu told journalists that UNDP is an agency specializing in development issues. "Beyond development, we also provide partner countries with access to international networks and organizations. We are not just fund distributors. We also make our own financial contributions to project initiatives. Regarding our key achievements in Belarus, these include work on economic development and environmental protection. Our project ‘Forest protection in Belarus: a comprehensive initiative to enhance local-level fire prevention and response capabilities’ falls under this category. We are genuinely committed to delivering cutting-edge knowledge and technologies, and protecting Belarusian forests from fires is one of our top priorities," she emphasized.Moving forward, UNDP plans to strengthen local capacities - specifically by supporting regional forestry workers to effectively combat wildfires.
This marks the first time in the history of sovereign Belarus that the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (under the government of the People's Republic of China) has allocated funding specifically for wildland fire equipment. The amount of financial assistance provided through the cooperation between the Ministry of Forestry of Belarus and UNDP totals $2 million.
The project launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Belarusian Forestry Ministry, including Minister Aleksandr Kulik, alongside, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan and UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Renfei Liu.
Belarusian Forestry Minister Aleksandr Kulik stated that the funds are allocated for forest fire protection, specifically for technical equipment. "We are not talking about dozens but hundreds and thousands of items, for example, backpack sprayers," he noted. "These funds will also be used to improve communication systems, purchase water pumps, gasoline generators, vehicles, and other essential firefighting equipment for Belarus."
“This will make it possible to achieve another milestone in forest protection from fires in the Republic of Belarus. Our system is well built, but the help of friends will never hurt. We see once again that the friendship between the leaders of our countries - President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus and Chinese President Xi Jinping - helps to develop all industries, including forestry,” Aleksandr Kulik noted. “We also share experiences in forestry. We also have something to show.”
The equipment will be sent to Brest Oblast and Gomel Oblast, the southern regions, which are most prone to droughts and fires. According to Aleksandr Kulik, the ministry must be prepared to deal with natural disasters, regardless of whether it is a storm or a fire.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan noted that Belarus and China are sincere friends and true partners. “Today, together, we are creating a new model of trilateral cooperation. We will continue to provide assistance and support at the multilateral level to our Belarusian friends,” he said.
China, together with UNDP and other international organizations, has implemented more than 170 projects in more than 50 countries. These projects bring real benefits to developing countries, he said. “The Chinese side pays great attention to helping developing countries because China was, is and always remains a developing country. We will continue to provide all possible assistance and support,” Ambassador Zhang Wenchuan noted.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan noted that Belarus and China are sincere friends and true partners. “Today, together, we are creating a new model of trilateral cooperation. We will continue to provide assistance and support at the multilateral level to our Belarusian friends,” he said.
China, together with UNDP and other international organizations, has implemented more than 170 projects in more than 50 countries. These projects bring real benefits to developing countries, he said. “The Chinese side pays great attention to helping developing countries because China was, is and always remains a developing country. We will continue to provide all possible assistance and support,” Ambassador Zhang Wenchuan noted.
In turn, UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Renfei Liu told journalists that UNDP is an agency specializing in development issues. "Beyond development, we also provide partner countries with access to international networks and organizations. We are not just fund distributors. We also make our own financial contributions to project initiatives. Regarding our key achievements in Belarus, these include work on economic development and environmental protection. Our project ‘Forest protection in Belarus: a comprehensive initiative to enhance local-level fire prevention and response capabilities’ falls under this category. We are genuinely committed to delivering cutting-edge knowledge and technologies, and protecting Belarusian forests from fires is one of our top priorities," she emphasized.Moving forward, UNDP plans to strengthen local capacities - specifically by supporting regional forestry workers to effectively combat wildfires.
A symbolic three-piece puzzle was assembled during the event, representing the project’s three key partners: Belarus, China, and the UNDP.
Follow us on:
