Two years ago, we started the implementation of the project and set several goals for ourselves.
The main goal was to improve the functionality of the firefighting units in the region, as well as replenishment of the equipment which will help them when extinguishing forest fires. Our ambitious plan with highly defined goals was achieved, but also achieved much greater success in the realization of the project.
The implementation of the project for “Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fire Fighting” financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA CBC Programme between R. Bulgaria and R. N. Macedonia 2014-2020, will end in less than a month, but the results achieved in the region will be visible and will enable efficient handling of natural disasters in the longer term.
The most significant goals achieved from this project are the 112 fully equipped firefighters from our region, realized six specialized trainings with certified trainers, public awareness campaign for reducing forest fires and the promotion of volunteerism in the fire service.
The biggest benefit of this project is the signed Memorandum of Cooperation and the creation of a cross-border network for the prevention and response to natural and environmental hazards, between institutions and organizations from the South-East planning region in the Republic of N. Macedonia and the members – municipalities of the Association of Southwestern Municipalities from the Republic of Bulgaria, which promises very productive and timely communication between the institutions – members of the Memorandum of the two countries whose vision is a cross-border network for prevention and fighting with natural and environmental hazards, which includes professionals and experts from institutions, organizations and individuals who will deal with natural and environmental hazards in the cross-border region in joint coordination.
