Safeguarding Forests of Belarus: UNDP Launches the First China-Funded Development Project

The comprehensive initiative will strengthen forest fire preparedness in Belarus’ Brest and Gomel regions, benefiting people and nature through technology transfer and a community-based prevention and response system.

July 23, 2025

Several small flags represent different countries and organizations, placed on a table in front of an audience. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

MINSK, 23 July 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Forestry of Belarus and with financial support from China's Global South-South Development and Cooperation Fund, launched a new forest fire preparedness initiative that will safeguard critical forest ecosystems and protect communities in the country's most climate-vulnerable regions.

The US$ 2 million project "Safeguarding Forests of Belarus: A Comprehensive Fire Preparedness Initiative for Community-Based Fire Prevention and Response" will be implemented over one and a half years in the Brest and Gomel regions.

“Today we are witnessing a truly historic moment: for the first time in the history of sovereign Belarus, we are launching an international trilateral project designed to strengthen the material and technical capacity of the Belarusian forestry enterprises for forest fire prevention,” said Aleksandr Kulik, the Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Belarus “This is tremendously important for us, and I would like to thank our partners and friends for this support.”

Two men engaged in conversation, one in a uniform and the other in a suit, indoors. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

This initiative is expected to significantly enhance Belarus' national fire response system while also contributing to key development priorities, including biodiversity conservation, public health protection, and the improvement of livelihoods for local communities.

“I am confident that this initiative will pioneer a new model of cooperation in advancing the Global Development Initiative and the 2030 Agenda, while providing valuable experience for future endeavours,” said Zhang Wenchuan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Belarus.

A man speaks at a podium with flags, in a formal indoor setting. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

This initiative introduces a replicable framework for sustainable forest management that integrates cutting-edge technologies with community-based participation.

“As the first project funded by the GDF, it addresses the critical intersection of human needs and environmental protection. We believe that the GDI can contribute to accelerating the SDGs in developing countries when thoughtfully aligned with the 2030 Agenda and responds to national development priorities,” said Renfei Liu, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Belarus. “Guided by demand-driven principles, it provides targeted support to areas where assistance is most critically needed.”

A woman in a white blazer speaks at a podium with flags, in front of a presentation backdrop. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

Through the project, local forestry enterprises will receive essential firefighting equipment, including high-capacity motor pumps, power generation equipment, communications technology, and personal protective gear. These investments will significantly enhance operational capacity and response times, particularly in geographically isolated areas where access remains challenging.

Beyond strengthening emergency response capabilities, the initiative will establish efficient risk reduction systems through the deployment of comprehensive prevention strategies and early warning mechanisms.

Capacity building activities will provide forest management personnel and community members with specialized training in fire prevention, detection, and safe suppression techniques. Each project site will establish a network of trained community volunteers capable of rapid mobilization and coordination with professional fire services.

Rows of attendees in white uniforms, some wearing glasses, sitting in a conference setting.

A speaker presenting to an audience at a conference, with a large screen displaying text.

A man in a suit speaks to reporters holding microphones, with a backdrop of logos.

The project aligns with the national development priorities and advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable community development.

Through its implementation, the initiative will not only mitigate forest fire risks but also establish a replicable model with potential for adaptation across Belarus and in countries confronting comparable environmental challenges.

For media inquiries, please contact: the UNDP Belarus Communications Unit at registry.by@undp.org

English