JABLANICA, JUNE 22 (ONASA) – The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with the non-governmental organization People in Need (PIN), the Municipality of Jablanica, and the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, presented on Friday in Jablanica a pilot project called F.I.R.E.S. (Forefront Initiative for Rapid Early Suppression – Early Warning of Forest Fires) to other municipalities, cities, and civil protection agencies.
People in Need stated that this project is of crucial importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially for the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, which is facing an increasing number of forest fires.
Minister of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Emil Balavac, and the Mayor of Jablanica, Damir Šabanović, briefed representatives from Trebinje and Konjic, the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and Environmental Protection of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the Environmental Protection Fund of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the Municipality of Prozor-Rama, and the Municipality of Posušje on the risks faced by the residents of Jablanica and the Canton during periods of extreme heat, especially during the summer and autumn months, as well as the consequences of devastating fires over the past decades.
They also demonstrated early warning system technology to enhance fire prevention measures in the Municipality of Jablanica and the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton.
Currently, sensors are being tested in Jablanica’s city park, and they will later be installed in the Municipality of Jablanica and the Blidinje Nature Park, which was heavily affected by a major forest fire in 2022.
The F.I.R.E.S. project involves the implementation of a range of advanced technologies for detecting, monitoring, and responding to potential fire sources in the early stages. The newly developed early warning system, together with drones, high-resolution cameras, and SMS messaging software, aims to prevent the spread of forest fires and protect lives, property, and natural resources.
During the project presentation, the international non-governmental organization People in Need signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the City of Konjic, and the City of Trebinje to collaborate on potentially expanding the pilot project in the region.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in an area increasingly affected by climate change.
Consul and Head of the Development Cooperation Department of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Sarajevo, Štěpán Šantrůček, emphasized the importance of cooperation on the FIRES project, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the priority countries for Czech Republic development cooperation, and one of the focuses we have is strengthening resilience, which includes projects like this one, but we also have projects supporting civil protection, mountain rescue services, and all other actors,” said Šantrůček.
As noted, Bosnia and Herzegovina witnesses an increasing number of forest fires, especially in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, with the number of fires rising from four in 2013 to twelve in 2023.
Challenges in firefighting include inadequate and outdated equipment, insufficient personnel, difficult access to affected areas, late detection of fires, and lack of water.
Forest fires significantly contribute to global carbon emissions, accounting for up to 20% of the total annual emissions.
Minister Emil Balavac also expressed the need for this project.
“In many situations, firefighters and mountain rescue services take great risks when operating in inaccessible areas. This innovative early warning system will enable constant communication with a base managing operations, monitoring their movements, and enabling rapid response in case of accidents. This represents a key investment in our collective security and environmental protection, and strengthens our capacities to preserve nature across Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Balavac concluded.
The early warning system operates by using a network of smoke detector sensors connected to a cloud system, providing advanced alerts and enabling quick responses to potential forest fires.
The system’s sensors can detect smoke and atmospheric changes within minutes, allowing for immediate action to prevent fire spread.
The initiative also includes a comprehensive public awareness campaign, using RapidPro software for sending customized SMS messages and popular messaging apps, community education on forest fire risks and preventive measures, as well as alerts in case of fire danger.
The pilot project in Jablanica serves as a potential model for forest fire prevention and climate change adaptation, not only for the local community but also for the entire region.
Following successful implementation, this innovative early warning approach could be expanded and replicated, significantly contributing to national and regional strategies for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
The F.I.R.E.S. project, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the Municipality of Jablanica, and People in Need, offers a comprehensive solution focusing on early warning, preventive measures, improved management, and innovative technology, as stated in the PIN statement. (end)