OREANDA-NEWS. January 24, 2011. Protection and rational use of natural resources will get priority attention in Belarus, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Nikolai Fursevich, the chief of the state inspectorate for flora and fauna protection.

“The main resource of our country, except our people, is the gift that nature has given us in the form of plant and animal world. It is not only about issues of recreation, though it is also important (human health above all). This is a huge economic resource. And how we use it is important too,” said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko underscored that this area will get priority attention. “This is an important topic for discussion,” he said.

The president noted that in due time when appointing the new chief of the state inspectorate for flora and fauna protection Nikolai Fursevich it was agreed that some time later he would present his report. In particular, the head of state was interested whether there was progress in reversing the situation not only inside the inspectorate but also regarding those issues that it deals with. “I would like to hear how the inspectorate operates now and what the results are,” said the Belarusian leader.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that before the new chief was appointed, he had to interfere with the work of the inspectorate on many occasions to correct mistakes. “It must be admitted that the formation period of the inspectorate took too long. There were some unhealthy trends among its personnel. And that was the reason why he had to replace management staff,” said the head of state and asked what moral climate in the team is now and how efficient the work is, whether the inspection is facing problems in collaboration with other agencies and departments that it must work in contact with.

Besides, the President mentioned that the issue related to the management of national reserves and, first of all, the Naroch District is of great significance today. “Are there any unsettled issues in the area?” the Belarusian leader asked.

Alexander Lukashenko also stated that the inspectorate was set up following his decision, because some 10 years ago the flora and fauna situation in the country was critical. The Belarusian leader believed that only a body that would report directly to the President was able to address the problem. “You have been vested with unprecedented authority,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“I am interested in strategic and especially mid-term plans,” the head of state said.