EUROMED workshop on wildfire management

Vallfirest participated in the EUROMED pilot workshop, an event organised by the ONPC of Tunisia, DG ECHO, and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).

The workshop gathered experts from various countries to discuss strategies against wildfires in the Mediterranean region, as reported by Vallfirest.

The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), established by the European Union in 2001, promotes cooperation in civil protection among member states and associated countries.

This mechanism facilitates the exchange of resources and best practices, consolidating disaster response capabilities.

Union for the Mediterranean and civil protection

The Union for the Mediterranean, founded fifteen years ago, aims to transform the region into an area of peace and cooperation.

Civil protection is fundamental to regional stability.

Recently, the UfM approved the principle of a Mediterranean Civil Protection Framework to strengthen efforts in the region.

The EUROMED workshop addressed the growing threat of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change.

Discussions focused on cross-border management strategies for the 2024 fire season, supported by the European Commission.

Key presentations and discussions

Vallfirest presented its innovations in fire management equipment and safety.

Notable presentations included strategies from Tunisia and Algeria on fire management, DG ECHO’s role of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Wildfires by Nîmes Métropole, Morocco’s oasis fire management, Lebanon’s National Early Warning Platform, and the use of space technologies and early detection systems.

The event also included decision-making workshops, demonstrations, and meetings with industry professionals.

Recommendations and conclusions

The workshop concluded with recommendations to enhance regional cooperation, share data, organize exchange missions, and develop interoperability criteria.

The need to establish a regional crisis management centre in Tunisia was highlighted.

The success of the workshop underscores the importance of continuous collaboration and early planning for future fire seasons.

Vallfirest expressed commitment to strengthening the resilience of Mediterranean communities against natural disasters.

Vallfirest thanked the organisers, participants, and partners for their collaboration, stating: “Together, we can ensure a safer future for the Mediterranean region.”