Implementers: Kreo Association
Partner 1: National Forest Agency
Partner 2: Organized Youth Association
Overall Goal and Project Results: The project aims to prevent landscape fires in critical areas across Albania and North Macedonia by promoting community engagement and supporting self-sustaining local initiatives for landscape fire management. It seeks to strengthen the capacity and collaboration of community leaders in both countries, enabling locally adapted approaches that combine traditional and modern LFM methods. The project also raises awareness among communities through participatory activities, including simulations, storytelling, and locally inspired campaigns, while fostering cross-border cooperation by sharing experiences and jointly analyzing LFM practices between Albania and North Macedonia.
Scope and Beneficiaries: The project is implemented in Bulqiza and Burrel in Albania, and Gostivar and Mavrovo, and Rostusha in North Macedonia, focusing on strengthening local capacities for landscape fire management. Its main beneficiaries are the communities in these areas, along with the national authorities responsible for managing landscape fires in both countries. A particular emphasis is placed on 14 community leaders, equally representing Albania and North Macedonia, who are trained and actively engaged in leading and supporting local fire prevention initiatives, as well as exchange visits allowing training and experience exchange among community leaders and members of local youth councils from both countries.
Activities: Through interactive sessions, study visits, and hands-on experiences in fire-prone areas, community leaders are prepared to educate and mobilize their communities. Complementing this, a social media campaign raises awareness and encourages cross-border knowledge sharing. 14 community leaders from both countries have been actively trained to become advocates for sustainable landscape fire management. Experts from the National Forestry Agency designed a tailored training program that integrates traditional fire control methods with modern techniques adapted to climate change challenges. The leaders carefully selected to ensure diversity and gender balance participated in an immersive training experience. They engaged in interactive sessions, analyzed real-life case studies, and visited fire-prone areas and the Burrel fire station, preparing them to share knowledge and promote fire prevention within their communities.
In parallel, a dynamic social media campaign was launched on Instagram and Facebook to raise community awareness. Using reels, infographics, and stories, the campaign emphasized community-driven landscape fire management, while at the same time training community leaders who have been sharing content to expand its reach across both countries.
Additionally, two study visits were organized to explore how traditional prevention methods, such as firebreaks, grazing management, and seasonal planning, can be effectively combined with modern techniques. These visits provided both practical and cultural insights, demonstrating how local knowledge and natural features shape fire management practices in each region.
Duration: 02.12. 2024 – 02.03.2026
Budget: CHF 86.400
