Yesterday, the traveling photography exhibition “Landscapes Fire Protection through the Camera Lens” was officially opened at Laboratorium in Skopje, as a part of the Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans Programme, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and coordinated by Farmаhem.
The exhibition presents the 20 most compelling photographs, selected from nearly 200 received from across the Western Balkans. Through powerful visual storytelling, the photographs capture the devastating consequences of landscape fires while highlighting the urgent need for prevention. They portray the reality of burned fields and forests, endangered habitats, and the tireless efforts of firefighters and local communities who stand on the frontlines against these destructive events.
“To effectively address landscape fire risks, we must understand their causes, invest in prevention, and adapt to the realities of climate change. Engaging local and vulnerable communities is essential, as is strengthening cooperation among institutions, experts, and citizens,” said Mr. Cvetan Nikolovski, Team Leader of the Landscape Fire Management Programme in the Western Balkans.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as representatives of the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia.
Ms. Carmen Thönissen, Regional Water and Environment Adviser at the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia, emphasized that Switzerland, through the regional LFMWB Programme, works with six Western Balkan countries towards a common goal—strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing capacities, and promoting an integrated approach to landscape management.
She emphasized that that the exhibition is a powerful reminder of what is at stake and how important it is to act now to protect landscapes from fires, underlining the symbolic connection between the project and raising public awareness.
Mr. Gjorgji Stojkovski, Adviser to the Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation for its long-standing vision and support. He also thanked Farmаhem, highlighting the company’s important role.
“Farmahem through this programme has successfully brought together institutions, experts, and communities around a common goal—building more resilient landscapes and improving fire protection,” said Stojkovski.
The exhibition in Skopje will remain open to visitors until 12 July, after which it will continue its regional tour, carrying a clear message – One fire can change everything. Together, let’s protect the Western Balkans from landscape fires.