On 2–3 October, the Civil Protection Department of the Puglia Region organized a workshop at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection of Greece. The event focused on early warning systems, efficient water use, and cross-border volunteer training, aiming to strengthen cooperation in responding to wildfires and the effects of climate change in the Southern Adriatic area.
The event was part of the Interreg SA Resilience Project, organized with the support of the Italian National Civil Protection Department and the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of Greece.
During the meeting, partners from Albania, Italy, and Montenegro shared experiences and tools for wildfire management:
- analysis of critical issues and resource allocation,
- use of aerial firefighting assets,
- technologies for mapping and monitoring water resources,
- and software for early detection and coordination of firefighting activities.
Special attention was given to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and to the role of volunteers in cross-border wildfire operations. Discussions focused on joint training and harmonized procedures, with the goal of developing specialized AIB (forest fire) teams ready to act in regional, national, or international emergencies.
The workshop concluded with a roundtable defining common actions and next steps to further strengthen the Resilience Project partnership.