DPPI SEE, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, Sector for Emergency Management of Republic of Serbia, was proud to host the workshop on "Emergency Management and Cross-Sector Coordination with a Focus on Forest Fires", from October 8 to 10, 2024, in Belgrade, Serbia. Attending member states include: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia.
The event brought together a diverse group of colleagues from the field of civil protection and disaster risk reduction, including local government officials and emergency response teams through which the attendees gained crucial insight from both, administrative and practical aspects of managing emergency situations caused by forest fires. The primary objective was to facilitate discussion and exchange experiences and common practices among various member state sectors in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from forest fire incidents. Participants engaged in discussions on best practices, shared experiences, and identified gaps in current emergency management protocols through their respective presentations.
The workshop featured several keynote speakers who provided valuable insights into effective emergency management strategies. Topics covered included the importance of real-time data sharing, the role of community engagement in disaster preparedness, and the integration of technology in firefighting efforts. Group sessions allowed participants to brainstorm solutions to specific challenges, such as coordinating evacuation plans and improving communication between agencies. The interactive format fostered a spirit of collaboration, leading to the development of actionable recommendations tailored to the unique needs of the region.
As a result of the workshop, attendees expressed a renewed commitment to strengthening cross-sector coordination in forest fire management. The insights gained and connections made during the workshop will be invaluable in enhancing community resilience and ensuring that all stakeholders are better prepared to address the challenges posed by forest fires in the future.
