The Erasmus+ project FOREST ADAPT is aimed at enhancing the preparedness of forest fires emergency interventional professionals and equipping affected local populations to adapt to them. In order to achieve this objective, the partnership held an international online training session, on May 5th and 12th 2023, bringing together professionals from Romania, Spain, Bulgaria, and Italy.

This event was the result of a collaborative effort between all project partner organizations. Each partner contributed one teacher to facilitate the activity. The participants, over 32, were drawn from decisional and interventional organizations, both state and private, involved in preventive and emergency actions in their respective regions.

The training sessions covered a wide range of topics, addressing multiple facets of forest fire prevention and management. These discussions aimed to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to handle these emergencies efficiently. Here are the key subjects that were explored:

1. Concrete measures for “forest conservation” and “sustainable forest management” for preventing natural forest fires;

2. European/national legislation concerning response to forest fires disasters;

3. Creation of emergency interventional structure;

4. Emergency action logistic (intervention equipment, equipment for management and coordination, additional equipment);

5. Communication and informatics; national and international cooperation in case of forest fires; Relationship with mass media and press release;

6. Rehabilitation and restoration focused on repairing infrastructure and natural resource damages caused by fire events.

The training didn't end with the online sessions. The participants continued their education through a mobile learning platform. Here, they had the opportunity for self-learning, to test their knowledge and receive a certificate of completion. 

The international online training session on forest fire prevention and management was a remarkable example of collaboration among the organizations. By addressing topics ranging from legislation to rehabilitation, it provided a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The initiative's continued learning component ensures that the knowledge gained during the sessions will be retained and put into practice. This collective effort not only enhances the participants' skills but also prepares them to tackle forest fires with greater effectiveness and confidence. It is an invaluable step towards a safer, more resilient future.