The Syrian Future Movement is following with deep sorrow the repercussions of the massive fires that swept through Latakia Governorate, specifically the town of Qastal, which was reduced to ashes by the flames that devoured its forests, homes, and livelihoods. This tragic scene can only be described as an alarm bell for the collective conscience and national institutions.
The Syrian Future Movement asserts that what happened is not merely a passing natural disaster, but rather a direct result of the accumulated neglect and lack of sound preventative measures inherited from the former regime. It is also a painful expression of the fragility of the environmental and administrative infrastructure, given the absence of a national vision for protecting humanity and nature, which we need in the coming period.
The Syrian Future Movement commends the heroic role played by civil defense personnel, who bravely fought the flames, demonstrating the highest levels of sacrifice and national belonging. It considers them the first line of defense for the lives of Syrians and emphasizes the need to support them financially and morally, integrating them into a comprehensive national plan to protect the environment.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for urgent and comprehensive action that includes:
- A special law on environmental disaster prevention requires relevant authorities to establish early response systems using modern technology.
- Establishing an independent national body for the protection of forests and woodlands, with executive and legislative powers, working in coordination with municipalities and civil society.
- Training local community teams for early detection and preventive intervention in at-risk areas.
- Incorporating environmental awareness into educational curricula, religious discourse, and the media, thus enhancing the culture of collective responsibility and stewardship of the Earth.
The Syrian Future Movement stresses the importance of benefiting from advanced international experiences, as they have proven effective:
- The United States uses satellites and drones to detect fires in their early stages, reducing losses.
- Australia relies on controlled firefighting, which has reduced the spread of uncontrolled fires.
- France and Germany have implemented smart automated sprinkler systems linked to heat and smoke sensors, which responded automatically and were able to contain many early fires.
The Syrian Future Movement is based on a moral and religious reference in its call to protect the environment, as Islam emphasizes the preservation of the earth and not causing corruption in it.As God Almighty says: “And do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set in order.” It is also based on the Christian tradition that holds humans responsible for caring for creation, as stated in the Book of Genesis: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over every living thing that moves on the earth.” This is a call for responsible stewardship, not exploitation.
The Syrian Future Movement is calling for the launch of a national initiative titled “Green Syria: Our Collective Responsibility,” which aims to engage national, religious, and civil society actors in building an integrated preventative system based on legislation, technology, and popular awareness.
The Syrian Future Movement calls on the government, local institutions, and all national forces to assume their full responsibilities and not leave the environment hostage to fires and silence. Protecting the earth means protecting humanity, and Syria’s green future begins now, not when it’s too late.
