Landscape Fire Risk Assessment in Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999)
Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999) acknowledges the need to assess risks associated with natural and other disasters. This comprehensive assessment identifies threats, assesses their severity, and pinpoints opportunities for prevention, risk reduction, response, recovery, and minimizing the consequences of such events. It lays the foundation for a National Response Plan at both central and local levels, utilizing the combined efforts of governmental, private, NGO, and technical resources to safeguard the lives of Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999)’s citizens from natural, technical, and human-induced disasters.
Notably, Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999) has not yet developed a wildfire risk map, but it is actively engaged in disaster risk management through initiatives like the Disaster Risk Assessment and Mapping Program (IPA DRAM). This program fosters cooperation among partner countries, facilitating the development of national disaster loss databases and harmonizing methodologies and systems to comply with EU standards and regulations.
In line with the National Plan for forest fire management, Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999) has defined measures to evaluate the risk of wildfires, considering factors such as the vegetative layer, anthropogenic influences, climate, soil type, topography, and forest management practices. Human activity, specifically anthropogenic factors, plays a significant role in causing forest fires, prompting a categorization system with associated points.
The cumulative impact of these factors is represented through a point system, ranging from a minimum of 115 to a maximum of 580 points. Based on the total points accrued, Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999) classifies its forests into four risk levels: Very Large, Large, Medium, and Small.
Lastly, it’s important to note that Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999) has initiated efforts to create a wildfire risk map for the “Pashtriku” management unit, further emphasizing its commitment to wildfire risk assessment and management.