On February 21, 2024, the initial workshop of the SDC’s Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans (LFMWB) Programme took place in Sarajevo, marking a significant step towards cooperation in combating landscape fires. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management, and Forestry of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted the workshop, in cooperation with the Regional Fire Monitoring Center (RFMC). In the workshop, the landscape fire management (LFM) stakeholders had an opportunity to be introduced to the objectives of the LFMWB Programme, the LFM concept, their role as members of the LFM networks (science-practice policy interface), and their contribution to the process of developing the LFM report.
The workshop commenced with an opening speech from the Minister Mr. Kemal Hrnjić who underscored the urgency of climate change and the need for unified efforts in combating its effects concerning landscape fires. Furthermore, he acknowledged the continuous support of the Ministry for implementing the activities of the LFMWB Programme. Boško Kenjić, representing the Swiss Embassy, highlighted Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in the LFMWB initiative.
Furthermore, Mr. Cvetan Nikolovski, the Programme’s team leader, pointed out the Programme’s objective to enhance national and regional cooperation, establish national and regional networks, develop common policies, and create strategies for effective LFM in the Western Balkans. His presentation highlighted the importance of comprehensive and timely actions, focusing on fire prevention and increasing the landscape’s resilience to fires. He explained that the LFMWB builds from national and international knowledge and expertise, focusing on cross-border cooperation and aiming to foster sustainable and effective collaboration in the WB region.
The principles of the LFM approach and the role of RFMC, as the regional cooperation mechanism and knowledge network on LFM in the Western Balkans was thoroughly explained by the head of RFMC, Mr. Nikola Nikolov. His presentation aimed to establish a shared understanding among participants regarding LFM, the current situation in the Western Balkans, and potential cooperation opportunities at both national and regional levels.
Stakeholders from over 30 different relevant institutions including science, practices, and policy sectors from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) actively participated in the workshop. They showed their interest in the LFM topic and had fruitful discussions during which they pointed out the importance of taking appropriate prevention measures.
Discussions during the workshop highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between institutions at all levels and a commitment to ongoing data collection and stakeholder engagement to ensure the development of the LFM report. The stakeholders collectively and participatively initiated the establishment of a fully operational LFM network at the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina level emphasizing their mutual understanding that cross-sectoral collaboration is vital for creating fire-resilient landscapes.
