Period: June 1 , 2025 – May 31, 2027
Total budget: €1,061,605.88
ERDF Grant: €849,284.70
Coordinator/Lead Partner: Javni zavod za gasilsko in reševalno dejavnost – Gasilska enota Nova Gorica (Public Institute for Firefighting and Rescue Operations – Nova Gorica Fire Department) (SI)
Partners: Municipality of Ajdovščina (SI); Slovenian Firefighters Association (SI); Municipality of Monfalcone (IT); University of Trieste – Department of Engineering and Architecture (IT); Institute of International Sociology in Gorizia (IT)
Associate Partners: Veneto Region – Directorate of Forests, Silviculture, and Hydrological and Forestry Management (IT); Veneto Region – Directorate of Civil Protection, Security, and Local Police (IT); Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia – Regional Civil Protection Agency (IT); Ministry of Defense – Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Protection and Rescue (SI); Ajdovščina Fire and Rescue Center (SI); Forestry and Environmental Protection Corps – Autonomous Region of Sardinia (IT); National Research Council – Institute for Bioeconomics (IT)
FIRESAFENET strengthens the capacity of the cross-border region between Italy and Slovenia to prevent, detect promptly, and manage wildfires through a shared system of cooperation among emergency services, institutions, scientific organizations, and local communities.
The project addresses the region’s increasing vulnerability to the effects of climate change and the need to coordinate responses when wildfires affect both sides of the border. The activities combine digital tools, training, joint planning, and community engagement, with the goal of improving the preparedness and response capacity of the organizations involved.
Objectives and Activities
FIRESAFENET is developing a common approach to fire risk management, overcoming the technical, legal, and administrative obstacles that can hinder cross-border cooperation.
Its main activities include:
- the development of a joint action plan for the prevention of and response to cross-border fires;
- the development of digital tools for environmental monitoring, risk analysis, and fire spread simulation;
- the exchange of experiences through study visits, training activities, and joint exercises;
- the creation of a virtual training center for operational units and other stakeholders;
- the establishment of a stable network of cooperation among emergency services, institutions, and local communities.
The solutions and procedures developed are shared and tested with local stakeholders, promoting greater integration of knowledge, resources, and approaches to intervention.
The role of ISIG
ISIG is leading the process to develop a joint action plan for responding to cross-border wildfires. The work begins with an analysis of the existing legal, administrative, and organizational frameworks in both countries, with the goal of identifying obstacles that may hinder coordination and establishing shared procedures for a faster and more effective response.
The development of the plan is accompanied by a participatory process involving partners, emergency services, government agencies, local organizations, and local communities. Through meetings, discussions, and the collection of operational experiences, needs, priorities, and solutions are identified and translated into common protocols and guidelines.
ISIG’s contribution also focuses on strengthening the cooperation network, developing the activities of the virtual training center, and disseminating the results. This approach makes it possible to integrate the technical aspects of fire management with the institutional, social, and organizational dimensions necessary to ensure the stability of cross-border collaboration.
Project website: FIRESAFENET – Interreg Italy-Slovenia
