On November 8, 2023, in the framework of the SDC’s Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans (LFMWB) Programme, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Republika Srpska, as the Country Partner Institution (CPI) of the LFMWB Programme, hosted the third workshop at the level of Republika Srpska in Banja Luka. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to discuss the final version of the Landscape fire management (LFM) report and to initiate the process of developing the strategy for adaptive landscape management and LFM.
The workshop commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Slavko Stupar, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Republika Srpska, and Mr. Cvetan Nikolovski, the team leader of the LFMWB Programme. Their speeches highlighted the importance of cooperation and regional initiatives in addressing landscape fire risks, emphasizing the need for effective responses to challenges posed by landscape fires, land use changes and climate change.
Mr. Miroslav Rakita, the Country Project Staff in Banja Luka within the LFMWB Programme, moderated the workshop and presented an overview of the process for developing the LFM report for Republika Srpska and the final version of the report. The objectives included ensuring mutual acceptance of the final draft of the report, jointly formulating LFM guidelines, and discussing and defining LFM gaps at both the local and national levels.
Key discussion points emerged during the workshop, reflecting the diverse perspectives of stakeholders regarding LFM. The participants discussed positive practices, such as the early warning and detection system implemented in various countries. They highlighted the significance of knowledge exchange with neighboring countries and explored the potential development of effective LFM practices at the level of Republika Srpska.
Moreover, the presentation of the concept for the preparation of the strategy for adaptive landscape management and LFM was delivered by Mr. Velian Jagev, a regional officer for forestry and landscape fire management, representing the Regional Fire Monitoring Center. In this regard, the participants focused on defining the vision of the LFM strategy at the level of Republika Srpska and its main objectives.
The workshop addressed various aspects of LFM, from the need for effective educational programs to insights into public awareness, landscape fire protection plans, education, and collaborative efforts. Representatives from over 20 institutions including science, practice and policy sectors contributed valuable perspectives on tackling landscape fire challenges and mutually accepted the final version of the LFM report for Republika Srpska.
