Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fite Fighting opens up new perspectives for the region

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.

The sixth final activity within the project “Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fire Fighting” has finished. In the last two months, the Centre for the Development of the South-East Planning Region in partnership with the Association of South West municipalities conducted the six specialized trainings intended for professional firefighters and volunteers from the border regions of R. N. Macedonia and R. Bulgaria. The purpose of the trainings was to enrich and expand knowledge, new experiences, practical exercises and use of appropriate equipment in fighting with forest fires, but also other natural and human-caused disasters.

The project made a network of unbreakable friendships and connections, both professional and private. The training consisted of education, exercises and competition. The competition took place in a friendly spirit and was a great opportunity for the participants to present themselves in the best way and show their skills in front of their colleagues.

Although most of them have many years of work experience, all the participants learned a lot and exchanged experiences with their colleagues in the field. The project brought together all volunteer and professional firefighters and left open opportunities for new projects, new ideas and future cooperation.

The real heroes are among us!

The trainings are part of the implementation of the project for “Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fire Fighting” financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA Programme for cross-border cooperation between R. Bulgaria and R. North Macedonia 2014-2020, project that the Centre for the Development of the South-East Planning Region is implementing in partnership with the Association of South West Municipalities, Blagovegrad, Republic of Bulgaria.