3.1 Joint Risk Management

Project goal: To utilize the untapped local potential in MoK and MoB for better use of volunteers in joint cross-border forest fire risk management by eradicating existing practical and knowledge-based barriers for CB forest fire prevention and inter-vention actions. The specific objectives are to: 1. Balance the number of well prepared and equipped volunteers and administrative staff, 2. Upgrade available emergency detection and response equipment, ensuring CB compatibility and 3. Introduce pilot tested joint mechanisms for coordinated interventions of volunteers.

The project envisages: Removal of most existing barriers for effective cross-border cooperation in forest fire risk management and increases the safety of the population and the natural resources in the CB area. The project reduces the cross-border discrepancies in terms of number of volunteers, quality of schooling, use of geo- systems, level of public awareness and available technology to intervene in case of forest fire disasters. As a direct output, MoK will double its existing force of volunteers, MoB and MoK will obtain modern mobile equipment which boost the CB impact and the tactical flexibility in emergency situations. A joint action plan will be pilot tested in a joint drill after a series of two-day theoretical trainings in each municipality. 200 Students will learn how to protect the forests from fires and over 40 institutional representatives will be learn how to replicate the success of the project across the entire Programme area.

The general goal is ensuring high-level preparedness, closer cooperation and exchange of know-how and best practices in the field of forest fire prevention and management by the specialized national and educational institutions of Bulgaria and Serbia through synchronized development and application of specific requirements, maps, procedures and trainings. These aim at enhanced coordination and management of collective reactions in emergency situations, which warrants stronger protection of the CB area and the Balkan population.

Planned activities: 1. Project management - executed by the appointed PMT and external PM company; 2. Procurement of specialialized firefighting vehicle for forest fires (class M, categ.3, Euronorm 6) for PP1; 3. Procurement of equipment for the Alternative National Operations Centre (ANOC), Sofia by PP2 (equipment, work places for national/ international alert/emergency/warning, et. systems, repair works); 4. Procurement of equipment for PP3 - laboratory equipment and simulation training software for the FOC facilities, Nis; 5. Development of joint training program, common strategy for forest fire management and forest fire maps for 2 pilot areas in the CB region - executed by all partners and by sub-contracting; 6. Classroom trainings and field visits in Serbia (FOC & Nis District) - PP3; 7. On-field trainings and field visits in Bulgaria (Pernik and Kuystendil districts, ANOC) - PP1 and PP2; 8. Communication and visibility, incl. demonstration event.

Expected results: - Improved coordination mechanisms for CB forest fire management; Development of joint communication channels and procedures for intervention in emergency situations aiming at enhanced coordination and disaster response efficiency; Investments in firefighting and safety equipment: specialized fire-fighting vehicle, lab equipment and training software etc.; Improved capacity of educational, local and specialized institutions in both countries for efficient intervention in forest fires. Based on the a.m., around 800 000 inhabitants of the cross-border area will benefit from the project implementation.

Project website: http://ipacbc-bgrs-fire-prevention.eu/