3.1 Joint Risk Management

The main objective of the project: Improving the joint risk management in the cross-border area of municipalities of Niska Banja and Kostenets. The support of development of local government will be realized by creating conditions for increasing the quality of security and diversification of supply in the provision of prevention according to international standards and related laws. Specific objectives: Developing the effectiveness of the action of local risk management units in Niska Banja and Kostenets by purchasing high performance emergency equipment to prevent and mitigate disasters, increasing the intervention forces level of preparedness through common exercises and training, raising awareness among stakeholders and population on common risk management.

The project envisages: Acquisition of Emergency intervention equipment and machinery for quickly and efficiently respond to flood and fire emergency situations in Niska Banja. - Acquisition of Emergency intervention equipment and machinery for quickly and efficiently respond to fire emergency situations in Kostenets. - Seminar “Sharing experience in fighting with disaster” was held. - Organized and carried out of event “Roundtable - raising awareness among stakeholders on common risk management” and development of Joint Action plan. - Joint exercises and training for simulating cross-border disaster in Niska Banja and Kostenets.

The project objective is to improve the capacity of the project partners in terms of infrastructure, equipment, know-how and public support to prevent and mitigate the consequences of flood disasters locally and on CB level. 

The project activities include:

1. Construction works for flood defense and procurement of equipment for sanitation of rivers;
2. Measures for natural water retention on the territories of Knjazevac and Rila Municipalities;
3. Joint trainings on flood risk prevention and management;
4. Exchange of experience.

Project results and outputs:

1. Supplied equipment in Municipality of Knjazevac - a supporting wall built on the Rila River banks;
2. Afforested areas in both municipalities;
3. Improved capacity of local specialists on joint risk management;
4. Improved capacity of local volunteers and civil protection organizations to act in a coordinated manner in the event of a disaster on both sides of the border.           

Target Groups of the project are local and regional government bodies; Local and regional structures dealing with emergency situations; CB population living downstream of intervention areas; Visitors to Rila Monastery.

Website: https://ipa-greeninfrastructure.com/