The 3rd and the final Planning conference for DPPI FLEX 2023 was completed.

In the context of the preparations for DPPI FLEX 2023 simulation exercise in October a training on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles was organized in Jastrebarsko, Croatia from 01-03 July 2023. The training was aimed for the participants to the exercise and captured both theoretical and practical segments of drone operations.

The planning process for DPPI FLEX 2023 continued with the 2nd Planning conference that was held in Brcko, Bosnia and Herzegovina from 20-21 June 2023. Prior the conference and as part of the preparation process two trainings were completed (Sphere in Urban Settings and Get Airports Ready for Disasters) and one is scheduled for July (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The conference was used to refine the exercise structure and the scenario and also visit the exercise locations.

The 45th DPPI SEE Regional meeting once again joined together the member states in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the working sessions of the meeting the Annual Work Plan for 2023 was reviewed and action points agreed. We were honored to have the Minister for Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr.Nenad Nesic with us during the opening of the meeting. Among other things he expressed support for the role and the mandate of the Initiative.

Forest fires conference in Podgorica, Montenegro covered the topics of fire prevention and response. DPPI SEE member states used it to share their activities on both prevention and preparedness for response. Case studies of response operations were presented and examples of good practices were shared. On the second day of the conference a study visit to the fire station in Bar was conducted whihc enabled the participants to listen to the first line responders how they are organized and prepared for the upcoming fire season.

The aim of the training was to promote ethical, inclusive, rights-based and people centered humanitarian response in urban contexts via the proper application of Sphere Standards. Total number of 15 participants from 8 DPPI SEE member states followed the training which is being implemented for the first time in a classroom format. The training audience was a mix between civil protection experts and the ones from the Red Cross societies. Some of the Sphere trainers that were produced last year also attended.

The 3rd event this year was the workshop on Building capacities to respond to large open space fires – the model of organizing and functioning of the air force, renting and purchasing aircrafts. It was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sector for Protection and Rescue and included 45 participants on site and 27 participants online.