Lukashenko orders to strengthen protection of flora and fauna in Belarus

It is necessary to strengthen the protection of flora and fauna in Belarus, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Yuri Tertel, head of the State Inspectorate for Protection of Flora and Fauna under the President of the Republic of Belarus, to receive his report on 25 July, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko asked Yuri Tertel what should be done to make the work of the State Inspectorate more efficient and what are the shortcomings in its activities today. Several years ago, when Yuri Tertel was appointed head of the State Inspectorate, the president pointed out to the need to ensure discipline in the agency.

“A military man was put in charge to restore order. Has order been put in place? How will we move forward in this plan?” the head of state asked. “We have to improve the protection of fauna and flora. A green island of nature in the center of Europe should be preserved for the future. There is no pathetics here. We live in greenery (I mean our nature), and we would like our children to live in the same world,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko took special notice of the reproduction of forests: “Have you taken this issue under control?”

“You have some 550 people there, don't you?” the president asked.

“549”, Yuri Tertel specified.

“You cannot cover the country with such numbers. And we will not be able to increase these numbers, especially now. There is no time for that. But we have to increase efficiency through new forms and methods of work. What do you have to offer? What is necessary to be done for this purpose?” the head of state asked.

According to Yuri Tertel, the State Inspectorate is now working to implement the instructions given several years ago when he was appointed to this post. First of all, close attention was paid to the instructions concerning the personnel, and order in the agency. “We have taken serious measures in this direction. You were absolutely right: there was total disorder and negligence,” he said.

Rather harsh measures had to be taken in this regard. Thirty-seven employees were fired, including 26 executives of regional and interdistrict inspectorates. About eight dozen more employees had to be dismissed on the expiration of their contracts or for other reasons.