A ceremonial handover of firefighting equipment took place on 20 March in the protected landscape area of Bijambare. As part of the UNDP project “Sustainability of Protected Areas in BiH,” firefighting equipment was procured for four entities managing protected areas: the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Areas, National Park “Drina,” National Park “Kozara,” and National Park “Sutjeska.” This procurement was carried out in line with the forest fire protection action plans developed in 2024 through this project.
Representing UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina was Victor Munteanu, Deputy Resident Representative, who handed over the equipment to Asad Jelešković, Director of the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas.
The initiative also marks the launch of a public awareness campaign on forest fire prevention in protected areas. The equipment will significantly enhance the capacity of protected areas to prevent and respond to fires, thereby ensuring better protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. By participating in various projects with domestic and international organizations, the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas Sarajevo aims to emphasize the importance of protecting forests and other ecosystems from fire.