"Fact" daily writes:
In recent years, natural disasters caused by climate change, particularly forest fires, have become one of the key issues on the world agenda, more than ever. In the conditions of the global warming process, every year in many countries we witness higher temperatures than usual, which causes large fires. Moreover, if previously fires were a typical phenomenon in the summer months, now the situation has changed, and large fires are already starting during other seasons of the year as well. The fires that broke out in the regions of Tavush and Gegharkunik at the end of November are a vivid example of this.
They also revealed the systemic deficiencies that exist in the field of fire management in Armenia. The fires recorded in Tavush and Gegharkunik marzes actually showed that in the new climatic conditions, traditional fire fighting measures, such as, for example, periodic cleaning of forest and adjacent areas, are often not enough. In this context, the limitation of technical resources and human capabilities was also revealed. Often, the fire equipment had difficulty reaching the fires due to the bad condition of the forest roads, terrain complications and even organizational deficiencies.
In such a situation, it is highly necessary to introduce innovative fire management approaches, which will allow not only to respond quickly to fires that have already broken out, but also to pay great attention to the development of a preventive strategy. And the planning of preventive measures should include not only forestry, but also complex activities at the community level. The involvement of local self-governing bodies, the population and civil society in firefighting operations can significantly increase the effectiveness of risk management. On the other hand, increasing community awareness, population education in the field of prevention and response to natural disasters, development of volunteer movements can become the mechanisms that will allow timely detection of the danger of fire, rapid response and damage reduction. In this context, the application of international experience, such as the introduction of innovative technologies for forest monitoring systems, remote monitoring, network awareness and rapid response, following the example of developed countries, can significantly increase fire management capabilities.
After the frequent fires in Armenia, the need to modernize the anti-fire policy and legislative framework becomes obvious. Along with rapidly changing climate conditions, the emergence of new types of risks require a complete review of the fire protection policy, making it more predictable, flexible and knowledgeable. It is necessary not only to increase the financial resources allocated from the state budget for fire fighting services, but also to promote the participation of the private sector, international partners and local communities.
Interdepartmental coordination is also of key importance for increasing the effectiveness of fire fighting measures. Cooperation between state bodies, communities and civil society is often not at a sufficient level. This leads not only to late fire detection and slow response, but also to slow recovery efforts.
The scientific research and educational component is also key in the fight against climate changes and fires. In order to increase the effectiveness of fire prevention, management and recovery, it is necessary to create scientific centers that will deal with risk assessment, development of monitoring systems, development of preventive strategies and implementation of technologies adapted to local conditions.
It is also necessary to increase the educational level of fire-fighting preparedness both among specialists and the general public, by organizing trainings, information campaigns and public awareness programs. And it is especially important to inculcate the approach of how to avoid environmental pollution, which can also become an additional factor for the occurrence and spread of fires.
Deep awareness of preventive measures will allow not only to protect the forest and agricultural resources of Armenia, but also to preserve the ecological stability and clean environment of the country, ensure the economic development of communities and increase the level of safety of the population.
ARTHUR KARAPETIAN
