The State Emergency Service of Ukraine discussed the improvement of civil protection in Ukraine at the local level
On January 11, the SES hosted a working meeting of the Ukrainian side with the delegation of the International Solidarity Fund in Ukraine and representatives of the HOVERLA project as part of the next stage of the Firefighters project. Improving civil protection in Ukraine at the local level ”.
Welcoming the audience, Deputy Head of the SES Roman Primush stressed that the development of the volunteer movement in Ukraine is a priority not only for the Rescue Service, but also for the Ministry of Internal Affairs in general.
"We want to completely change the system of response to fires and emergencies in the country, to bring it in line with the European modern model of response with the involvement of local fire departments. We have many challenges along the way that we must overcome. That is why we are glad to have partnerships that help us in this direction, ”Roman Primush said.
At the same time, the head of the Representation of the International Solidarity Fund in Ukraine Pavel Kost noted the interest of communities in creating volunteer teams. He also stressed that the prospects for the development of this area are clearly a priority. This was emphasized by the coordinator of the project "Firefighters. Improving civil protection in Ukraine at the local level ”Lilia Atnazheva.
In turn, GOVERLA project manager Gabriel Abraham said that 30 communities with which the project is planned to cooperate have already been identified, and another 40 communities are in the pipeline. In addition, he expressed readiness to cooperate with the SES in the development of civil protection at the local level in Ukraine.
Finally, the parties discussed the needs for the development of voluntary and local fire and rescue units in Ukraine, namely: improving the legal framework, attracting foreign partners to share experiences, training of personnel of voluntary fire and rescue units, retrofitting units with special machinery and equipment. It is also important to find an approach to changing people's awareness of volunteering in Ukraine so that everyone understands the importance of creating a safe environment in every locality.
"Only by joining forces will we be able to realize our common goal, which is to provide a safe space for citizens to live," Roman Primush concluded.
