Representatives of institutions and disaster risk management services from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro participated in a three-day study visit to the Republic of Croatia in the period from May 31 to June 2, 2023. The visit was organized within the framework of the project “Improving capacities for prevention, preparation and response to disasters – Resilient border”, which is financed by the European Union.
In addition to the exchange of experiences, networking and development of cross-border cooperation between the participants, the visit aimed to transfer knowledge and strengthen capacities in the field of disaster risk reduction and strengthening of resilience on the part of the services from the Republic of Croatia, which as a member of the European Union has extensive and long-standing experience in building resilience local communities to disasters.
A total of 17 representatives of the project partners and members of the working group for creating the risk assessment and action plan visited the Training Center for the Training of Firefighting Operational Forces for SE Europe in Vučevica near Split, then the State Fire Operations Center in Divulje near Split and the Training Center for Emergency Services in Šapjane near Rijeka.
Mario Bajto, City of Ljubuški: “In this way, first of all, I would like to express my great gratitude to the European Commission and PI Development agency of WHC HERAG, who recognized the real problems and needs of the City of Ljubuški (which are identical throughout the entire project area) and actively involved it in the implementation itself project. On the study trip, we were presented with training models as well as practical equipment, i.e. training grounds for protection and rescue services (spaces, equipment and training grounds for indoor fire simulation, a training ground for rescue from ruins and heights). It is very important to note that in addition to quality training centers with appropriate equipment, we should also have trained personnel who will transfer their knowledge to other protection and rescue services. We got a clear idea of how important training is as an important form of prevention, that is, the creation of services that can work on prevention and response in the event of disasters. In addition, we have established good cooperation with forces from Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia, because disaster knows no borders.
I believe that this study trip was beneficial for all participants. By visiting the localities in question, we acquired new knowledge and thus began to look at the complete protection and rescue system differently. In addition, we saw the necessary training grounds, the application of new technologies for us, and we realized the real importance of training for protection and rescue services”.
Lidija Petrone Kolar, Directorate for Protection and Rescue of Montenegro: “The study trip was an opportunity to exchange experiences, good practices and lessons learned in the field of protection and rescue, especially when it comes to the risk of fire. One of the goals of this trip is to establish and strengthen the cooperation of all participants in the protection and rescue system, both in the field of prevention and joint action, as well as in future joint projects”.
Dragica Lebo, Municipality of Posušje: “I am extremely satisfied with the three-day study trip to the Republic of Croatia (Split, Rijeka) organized as part of the project activities of the RESILIENT BORDER project. During the ride, I had the opportunity to talk and exchange opinions and experiences with colleagues from Montenegro, Herceg Novi Municipality. It was really a special experience to see the way colleagues in the Republic of Croatia work and prepare their attendees in the field of protection and rescue. For me, it is certainly a good starting point for planning future project activities in this area, because there is not a single unit of local self-government that does not face various risks from disasters and for which this area is not one of strategic interest. Also, after this visit and the achieved cooperation, we can turn to our colleagues from the Republic of Croatia for any advice and recommendations for our future activities, and even the possibility of various trainings for our civil protection representatives, which is an exceptional opportunity”.
The project “Improving capacities for prevention, preparation and response to disasters – Resilient border” was approved within the framework of the IPA II cross-border cooperation program Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro (2014-2020). The total value of the project is over EUR 586,000, of which the European Union provided approximately EUR 500.000. The remaining amount is co-financed by the project partners, Development Agency of the West Herzegovina County – HERAG (BiH), Civil Protection Administration of the West Herzegovina County (BiH) and the Herceg Novi municipality (Montenegro). The implementation started in March 2022 and will last for 24 months.
