Issues related to the monitoring, prevention, and operational response to forest fire-prone situations were discussed at the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Ara Mkrtchyan, Deputy Minister of Environment of the RA; Vladimir Kirakosyan, Head of the Eco-Patrol Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RA; and Levon Azizyan, Director of the “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNCO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RA attended the meeting.
Vladimir Kirakosyan, Head of the Eco-Patrol Service of the Ministry of Environment of the RA, emphasized the importance of effectively exercising the service’s mandate in both forest fire prevention and emergency response. He noted that the Eco-Patrol Service has assumed a leading role in efforts to prevent forest fires, ranging from public awareness initiatives to emergency response.
Our guiding principle is not to wait for a fire to break out, but to take proactive measures to prevent it altogether,” said Kirakosyan. He emphasized that the service is continuously strengthening cooperation with all partner organizations to ensure a more comprehensive system for prevention and response.
The session covered the following key topics:

• Detailed analysis and assessment of fire-prone areas with the aim of identifying risk zones and developing preventive measures;
• Assessment of the operational response system’s capabilities, identification of existing challenges, and development of effective solutions;
• Emphasizing the importance of public awareness and educational campaigns to increase population involvement in fire prevention;
• Exploring opportunities to expand interdepartmental and public cooperation to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response.

Kamo Tsutsulyan emphasized the significance of establishing and officially launching the Syunik Regional Department of the Eco-Patrol Service for both the environmental sector of the country and the region. He also highlighted the importance of the effective operation of other regional departments of the service. Tsutsulyan proposed organizing joint training sessions between the Eco-Patrol employees of the Syunik Regional Department and rescue personnel to enhance skills and strengthen cooperation.
During the session, among other topics, discussions also addressed the refinement of sectoral actions, planning, and the improvement of communication mechanisms.