Implementer: Together for Life Association
Overall Goal and Project Results: The project strengthened community engagement and local government capacities to reduce landscape fire risks through improved landscape fire management (LFM) practices. It raised awareness among residents of the Municipality of Gramsh about the dangers of unsafe fire practices and builds resilience by enhancing knowledge on preparation, response, and restoration techniques. Local stakeholders were trained in risk assessment and strategy development, while government actors received mentoring and technical support to draft strategic documents and assess vulnerabilities. Together, these efforts foster more informed, prepared, and resilient communities and promote sustainable landscape protection.
Scope and Beneficiaries: The project was implemented in the Municipality of Gramsh, Albania, a central region with extensive forest coverage spanning 10 administrative units. The project engaged community members, youth, and local stakeholders to strengthen wildfire prevention and landscape management practices. By fostering awareness, capacity building, and sustainable land use, the project benefits local communities, visitors, and the region’s biodiversity, contributing to safer and more resilient forests.
Activities: The project began with a targeted awareness campaign, including five information sessions in fire-prone areas to educate residents about landscape fire management (LFM) and wildfire risks. Fifteen high school students were trained as youth ambassadors, using a peer-to-peer approach in fire prevention and environmental stewardship. Visual materials such as videos, leaflets, and social media posts further extended the campaign’s reach. Information boards were placed at tourist locations for prevention and educational purposes. In parallel, local government and stakeholders were supported through meetings, roundtables, and specialized trainings to develop disaster risk assessments, fire management strategies, and civil emergency plans. Mentoring and technical assistance guided the drafting of these documents, while the introduction of the Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (EVCA) methodology enabled precise evaluation of local risks and capacities, strengthening prevention, preparedness, and recovery efforts.
Duration: 02.12.2024 – 02.12.2025
Budget: CHF 32949
