In spring, forest fire season starts in most European countries. In Armenia, FLEG II prepared to prevent the wildfires with interactive and entertaining materials for children and adults.

“We all know that usually, information materials end up in a recycle bin, since, once you read them, they become a useless piece of paper. Our target was to make information materials that would last as long as possible”, says Sirarpi Haykazyan, World Bank’s FLEG II activity coordinator in Armenia.

The new publications were produced by FLEG II ADA-funded Complementary measures for Armenia and Georgia Program. Working in close collaboration with “Hayantar” State Forest Agency, FLEG II developed:

• A colourful leaflet on forest fire prevention and control,
• A calendar describing issues, problems and concerns related to sustainable forest management, protection and fire prevention;
• A leaflet-origami, specially designed for children.

The content in all of the publications is easy to understand for anyone without forestry background. “However, our pride among the products is the leaflet-origami, which was specially designed for children”, says Sirarpi Haykazyan. “On one side, we give brief information on importance of the forest and ways to protect it. On the other side, there is a pattern of an owl, which children need to colour, and then, using the directions provided, they can make an Origami and keep the Owl with them”. The Origami leaflets will be disseminated at a school forestry event organized by the Program.

In addition to the above mentioned products, FLEG II also developed banners on fire prevention. The banners will be placed near forests, close to recreation and picnic zones.

All of the materials have been uploaded to the enpi-fleg.org website, and can be printed out.