Donor:
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), through the Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans (LFMWB) Programme
Implementers:
Lead applicant:
Organization KOD
https://kod.org.me/
Type of Project:
National
Project Duration:
03/12/2024 – 03/03/2026
Total Budget:
29.999,00 CHF
Scope:
Targeted municipalities across Montenegro: Bar, Podgorica, Rožaje, Plav
Main Beneficiaries:
Local communities, scouts, The Rescue and Protection Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Institute of Hydrometeorology and Seismology, Administration for Managing forests and Hunting Grounds, relevant municipal bodies.
Overall Goal:
To strengthen local communities and stakeholders to actively participate in responsible forest fire management by integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques, enhancing public engagement, and utilizing advanced tools like GIS and drone.
Expected Results:
– GIS-based fire risk maps developed and applied in three targeted municipalities: Rožaje, Bar and Podgorica
– Up to 60 scouts from the three selected municipalities trained in comprehensive forest fire management techniques, combining traditional knowledge with modern practices
– Drone-based reforestation of fire-prone areas with low-flammability, fire-resistant trees, using innovative self-germinating seed balls
– Delivery of findings and recommendations to national and local institutions for policy improvement
– Awareness-raising video produced and disseminated to communities and the wider public about forest fire risks and management strategies
Current Activities:
Organization of four focus groups in Bar, Podgorica, and Rožaje, brought together 29 participants from local communities, institutions, NGOs, and municipal authorities. These meetings created a platform for citizens to share their experiences with landscape fires, the challenges they face, and the solutions they believe could make a difference.
The discussions provided valuable insights into how communities perceive wildfire risks, their current practices and the obstacles they encounter in working with institutions. Their contributions were documented in a detailed report, which highlights the key inputs and recommendations.
In partnership with the Scout Association of Montenegro, two intensive two-day trainings were organized in Plav, Podgorica and Bar, reaching 60 young scouts so far. Through theory sessions and practical field exercises with local firefighters, scouts gained knowledge and confidence to act as first responders in their communities.
A detailed fire risk maps for the municipalities of Rožaje, Bar and Podgorica are in process of development.
Additional Information (Optional):
The project stands out for its innovative approach that links traditional community knowledge, youth engagement, and modern technology. Scouts are empowered not only as peer educators but also as first responders, helping to spread awareness and build a culture of prevention among their peers and communities. At the same time, a GIS expert is developing detailed fire risk maps for Rožaje, Bar, and Podgorica, providing local authorities with precise, data-based tools for planning and prevention. In addition, the project introduces the use of drones for reforestation in fire-prone areas, an advanced method aimed at creating fire-resistant landscapes.
