SWOT analysis

1. The report highlights several strengths and weaknesses in the Landscape Fire Management (LFM) in Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999).

Strengths (Pros):

1. Legal and Strategic Alignment: Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999)’s LFM system is in alignment with regional standards and has basic national documents, including the Risk Assessment document and the Plan of National Reaction.
2. Prevention: The administrative instruction for the protection of forests from fire outlines important prevention measures, such as annual plans, early-warning system, and fire watchtowers.
3. Preparedness: The Integrated Emergency Management System (SIME) provides a systematic approach to incident management, enhancing preparedness through planning, organizing, training, exercising, and evaluation. It promotes coordination among government departments, NGOs, and the private sector.
4. Emergency Operation Centers: Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999) has 112 Emergency Operation Centers in seven cities, staffed with 71 employees, ready to respond to natural disasters and fires. Professional firefighting and rescue units are also in place.

Weaknesses (Cons):

1. Lack of Inter-Institutional Coordination: There is a lack of inter-institutional coordination within the landscape management system. Harmonizing guidelines, legal acts, and strategies is necessary for practical implementation.
2. Absence of Early Warning System: One significant gap in the LFM system is the absence of an early warning system for landscape fires. Real-time data, including location and spatial data, is lacking, leading to difficulties in monitoring and responding to landscape fires.
3. Technical and Organizational Capacity: There is a deficiency in technical and organizational capacities for disaster risk management, hindering effective response and mitigation efforts.
4. Limited Integration of Traditional Knowledge: Traditional knowledge and practices have not been adequately integrated into the LFM system, potentially missing valuable insights from local communities.