Forest Fire Protection – Training for self-protection against forest fires in rural areas
A European initiative that aims to preserve the environment by training adults, who live in rural areas, on forest fire prevention.
Grant Agreement Number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-ADU-000028430
Funded by: Erasmus+ Duration: 01/11/2021-01/11/2023
Challenge
2021 was one of the worst wildfire periods in Europe, as in 39 countries, approximately, 1.113.464 hectares were burnt. The most affected countries were located in the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Cyprus, while in Central Europe Germany is also at risk.
Despite the fact that the EU has been funding research in the field of forest fires over the last two decades through its Framework Programmes and other funding instruments, it is apparent that more focused interventions are needed in order to address this alarming issue.
Within this context, the report “Forest Fires – Sparking fire smart policies in the EU” published by the European Commission in 2018 highlights, among others, the need to focus more on prevention, instead of suppression, which could improve the effectiveness of wildfire protection programs. Apart from this, the report refers to the importance of increasing the awareness and preparedness of populations at risk and promoting resilient landscapes and communities through integrated fire management.
Consequently, it is highly recommended that more people should be made aware of wildfire and its consequences, especially in the above-mentioned regions, and they need to know how to act in case of a fire.
Innovation
Forest Fire Protection aims to preserve the environment and promote the fire-resilience of the rural communities, by training rural communities on fire prevention (as a baseline knowledge topic) and self-protection against forest fires.
.
Action
European Commission’s support for the production of this content does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Project Partners
