Invitation to a workshop on “UCPM technical assistance tools for investing in disaster risk management”, to be held on 27 and 28 November 2023 in Brussels

Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË – Tel. +32 22991111

Office: L130 04/165 – Tel. direct line +32 229-72474

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EUROPEAN CIVIL PROTECTION AND HUMANITARIAN AID

OPERATIONS (ECHO) Disaster Preparedness and Prevention

Prevention and Disaster Risk Management

Concept Note

Workshop on UCPM technical assistance tools for

investing in disaster risk management

27-28 November 2023

Centre de Conférences Albert Borschette

Rue Froissart 36, Brussels

1. Context and Purpose

This workshop is organised with a view to enhance the awareness of and the access to EU

funding and capacity building instruments for disaster risk management within civil

protection authorities.

The argument for enhancing the investments in disaster prevention and preparedness has

never been clearer. Investing in resilience unlocks social, economic and environmental

benefits that outweigh the cost regardless of whether and when a disaster materialises (1).

In addition, when prevention and preparedness investments integrate “smart” features (e.g.

early warning systems, nature-based measures to mitigate the impact of heatwaves and

floods in urban areas, combined seismic retrofitting and energy efficiency interventions in

buildings, etc.) the return on investment is the highest.

The objectives of this workshop are:

a) Improve awareness of the UCPM Track 1 – Technical Assistance for Disaster

Risk Management grants: by showcasing examples of Track 1 funded projects

implemented to date, collecting feedback from national authorities that used this

funding instrument, and discussing ways to further encourage the use of these

grants for preparing prevention and preparedness investments.

b) Present the plans for the new Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

that will be launched in 2024 and collect information on the needs of national civil

protection authorities that could be supported through TAFF. TAFF aims to

provide an additional modality for technical assistance through turnkey projects

which are based on a lighter application process.

c) Raise awareness of short- and long-term opportunities for EU funding for

disaster risk management.

(1) The World Bank (2021), Investing in Disaster Prevention and Preparedness in Europe Makes

Economic Sense, https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-

06/wb_ec_2021_disaster_economics_investments_summary_c1.pdf

2

2. Introduction to the three areas of discussion

a) Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk Management – Track 1

First introduced in 2019 under the UCPM grants umbrella, Track 1 grants aim to help

national civil protection and other disaster risk management authorities fill technical and/or

financial gaps to preparing investments or to strengthening their institutional and policy

framework for disaster risk management. Between 2019 and 2022, 18 Member States have

been awarded 37 grants for a total value of EUR 14,6 million.

By co-financing such projects, the UCPM has made a real impact in accelerating

investments for disaster risk management in Member and Participating States. Several

examples in this respect will be presented at the workshop.

Applications for the 2023 Track 1 grants needed to address the following objectives:

- To facilitate access to financing for investments in disaster prevention and

preparedness, including for the green transition;

- To contribute to new policies, strategies and investment plans for anticipating and

managing current and future risks;

- To support the implementation of the EU Wildfire Prevention Action Plan;

- To support the implementation of the Disaster Resilience Goals (four out of the

five goals are supported through this call, disaster resilience goal no. 4 is covered

by response capacities in the European Civil Protection Pool and rescEU);

- To enhance risk awareness and preparedness of the population and to facilitate

public access to disaster risk information;

- To generate evidence and knowledge for improved policy and practice in disaster

prevention and preparedness planning, climate resilience and the green transition;

- To increase preparedness for facing the Covid-19 crisis and other major crises of a

similar nature.

Applicants had to select only one of the following priorities: 1. Strategic frameworks for

disaster risk management; 2. Investments for disaster risk management; 3. Investments to

improve crisis management capabilities; 4. Investments to improve crisis preparedness for

Covid-19 and other major crises of a similar nature.

These grants will continue in 2024, as included in the UCPM multiannual work programme

2021-2026 (2) (chapter 2.1.2). Objectives and priorities of the call are expected to remain

broadly similar to the past, with the exception of priority 4 (NGEU funds will no longer be

available).

The workshop aims to present examples of projects already supported by Track 1

(selected from projects that have ended or are in progress), aiming to create

connections with and inspire other countries.

Participants will also be asked to reflect through group discussions on the following

questions:

- What is your experience in preparing and implementing Track 1 grants?

- Should Track 1 priorities remain the same or be revised? What changes would you

propose?

(2) Commission Implementing Decision C(2023) 6621 final, adopted on 6 October 2023.

3

- What ideas do you take home – e.g. projects that inspire and would be needed in

your country?

- What type of support would you require to make this instrument more suitable to

your needs?

b) Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

To further improve the current offer of technical assistance for disaster risk management

under the UCPM, a Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF) will be launched in

2024. The goal is to provide expertise-led technical assistance (TA) to all interested UCPM

countries on selected disaster risk management topics.

The TAFF seeks to achieve two specific objectives:

• Strengthening the capacity of disaster risk management authorities in scaling

up disaster and climate resilience, in line with the Union Disaster Resilience

Goals and the European Green Deal, as well as national and regional priorities.

• Supporting investments in disaster prevention and preparedness through the

development of a project pipeline.

While the Track 1 call would continue to exist, under the TAFF applicants will be able to

opt for a new, “turnkey” project modality, i.e. technical assistance projects fully executed

by a third party. This third party will be the World Bank, which has a vast experience in

working on disaster risk management with several EU MS on technical assistance projects

as well as with UCPM PS and EU candidate countries. The World Bank, with its global

reach and expertise, can also provide cutting-edge disaster risk management knowledge

tailored to regional and national contexts of the UCPM.

Under the TAFF a national authority from an eligible country will submit an expression of

interest for technical assistance in a given area to the chosen technical assistance provider

– i.e. the World Bank, which will act on behalf of the Commission (indirect management).

The World Bank will deliver to the country the requested technical assistance product

using the World Bank’s own technical expertise, procurement and administrative services,

etc. while providing the necessary training to build the capacity of the recipient.

The TAFF will operate in addition to the current Track 1 call, and MS/PS will be able to

choose whether to apply for one or the other.

Thematic focus: The TAFF will be fully aligned to the recently adopted Disaster Resilience

Goals (in particular, Goals 1, 2, 3, 5) and will deliver specific DRM products and tools of

high value to the UCPM MS/PS. Examples include:

o Goal 1 - Anticipate – To improve risk assessment, anticipation, and disaster

risk management planning: Technical studies on improved understanding of risk,

through modelling of hazards, developing scenarios of impacts, use of risk

information for planning of investments, etc. to support the planning and

preparation of policies and investments, with a focus on investments that support

the objectives of the EU Green Deal (green transition, climate neutrality, nature-

based solutions (3).

(3) Related to Nature-based solutions, see World Bank. 2022. Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience

and Adaptation. Link.

4

o Goal 2 - Prepare – To increase risk awareness and preparedness of the

population: activities related to risk awareness and communication, e.g.

development of “serious games” on disaster risk to engage specific population

groups, engagement of civil society, etc. The World Bank has also developed,

together with local administrations, strategies that inform the development of

public engagement and communication activities, in order to enhance the

awareness and preparedness of local communities to disaster risks, particularly

earthquakes.

o Goal 3 - Alert – To enhance early warning: technical analyses on various aspects,

such as capacity assessment and modernisation of early warning systems,

knowledge and access to global best practices via the GFDRR in-house global

hydromet program (4).

o Goal 5 - Secure - To ensure business continuity of civil protection systems:

assessments and technical studies to determine the exposure to hazards of critical

infrastructure that are key to civil protection systems, planning and prioritisation of

investments to increase resilience, etc.

o Cross-cutting: training and capacity building in specific areas, such as: nature-

based solutions for resilience, private sector’s involvement in disaster risk

management, introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

in disaster risk management and other topics to be determined based on needs.

The workshop aims to present the plans for the new TAFF, and to collect feedback

and information on the needs of national civil protection authorities that could be

supported through TAFF.

c) Short-term and long-term opportunities of EU funding for disaster risk

management

Financing for investments in disaster risk management and climate adaptation at EU level

is available under the Resilience and Recovery Facility (RRF), Cohesion Policy Funds,

InvestEU, Rural Development Plans, LIFE, etc.

A recent report on "Understanding the needs of CP agencies and opportunities for scaling

up DRM investments", issued in 2021, already pointed to some structural shortcomings

among civil protection authorities, which make it more difficult for these organisations to

access relevant EU funding. The evaluation noted that the implementation of prevention

and preparedness projects requires significant technical expertise, which is not always

available within the civil protection authorities.

While there is a growing awareness and interest in disaster risk prevention and

preparedness, CP agencies noted a low political buy-in for investments in prevention,

mitigation, and preparedness, which is exacerbated by the lack of evidence of their

benefits. There was also a perceived limited opportunity for CP agencies to influence the

investment planning of other line ministries or different levels of administration.

The workshop will include presentations of the key conclusions of the 2021 report,

preliminary insight on new tools being developed, and feedback from participants is

(4) https://www.gfdrr.org/en/hydromet-services-and-early-warning-systems

5

encouraged as regards the main challenges of civil protection authorities and other

disaster risk management authorities in accessing EU funds.

Relevant other Commission Directorates General will present key tools of funding

open to Member States.

Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË – Tel. +32 22991111

Office: L130 04/165 – Tel. direct line +32 229-72474

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EUROPEAN CIVIL PROTECTION AND HUMANITARIAN AID

OPERATIONS (ECHO) Disaster Preparedness and Prevention

Prevention and Disaster Risk Management

Draft Agenda

Workshop on UCPM technical assistance tools for investing in

disaster risk management

27-28 November 2023

Centre de Conférences Albert Borschette, Rue Froissart 36, Brussels

Day 1 – 27 November 2023

13.00-13.30 Arrival, registration of participants and welcome coffee

13.30-13.50 Welcome & opening remarks

- Ms. Hanna Jahns, Director for Disaster Preparedness and

Prevention, DG ECHO

13.50-14.10 Introduction to Track 1 grants – portfolio and outcomes

- DG ECHO

14.10-15.20 Presentations of selected Track 1 projects – finalised or in progress

15.20-15.50 Coffee Break

15.50-16.10 Track 1 in 2024 – outlook of the next call for proposals & tips on

preparing a good proposal

- Cristina Brăilescu & Christian Aagaard, Prevention and

Disaster Risk Management, DG ECHO

- Q&A

15.50-17.00 Talk to your neighbours: feedback on Track 1 & debrief to the plenary

Guiding questions:

- What is your experience in preparing and implementing Track 1

grants?

- Should Track 1 priorities remain the same or be revised? What

changes would you propose?

- What ideas do you take home – e.g. projects that inspire and

would be needed in your country?

2

- What type of support would you require to make this instrument

more suitable to your needs?

17.00-17.30 Wrap up the day – take away points

Day 2 – 28 November 2023

09.00-09.30 Arrival, registration of participants and welcome coffee

09.30-09.45 Introduction to the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

- Mr. Gaetano Vivo, Deputy Head of Unit, Prevention and

Disaster Risk Management, DG ECHO

09.45-10.30 What will TAFF offer and how will it work in practice?

- Zuzana Stanton-Geddes, World Bank

- Q&A

10.30-11.00 Presentations of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) projects

implemented by the World Bank in Europe

11.00-11.30 Open discussion on TAFF: feedback & ideas

11.30-12.00 Wrap up and conclusions of TAFF design and implementation

12.00-13.00 Lunch Break

13.00-13.15 Introduction to the various tools for DRM funding – DG ECHO

13.15-14.30 Disaster Risk Management investments supported by various

instruments – lessons identified, challenges and opportunities

- Presentation by DG REGIO

- Presentation by SG Recover /ECFIN

- Presentation by DG AGRI

- Q&A

14.30-15.00 Coffee Break

15.30-16.30 Examples of disaster risk management investments supported by EU

funds (mix of instruments if possible)

16.30-17.00 Wrap up – take away points on EU DRM investments

Saatja: <[email protected]> Saadetud: 16.10.2023 11:34

Koopia: <[email protected]> Teema: Invitation to a workshop on “UCPM technical assistance tools for investing in disaster

risk management”, to be held on 27 and 28 November 2023 in Brussels Manused: image001.gif; Invitation - UCPM workshop on Technical assistance for DRM.pdf; Concept - UCPM TA for DRM workshop.pdf; Draft agenda - UCPM TA for DRM

workshop.pdf; Overview of Track 1 projects 2019-2022.pdf

TÄHELEPANU! Tegemist on väljastpoolt asutust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile

mitte avada!

Dear Members, dear Project Coordinators, Please find enclosed a correspondence slip and its annexes concerning the event in subject. Best regards, The Prevention and Preparedness Programme team

European Commission

DG ECHO - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Unit B2 – Prevention and Disaster Risk Management https://civil -protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu Blog | YouTube | Flickr | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the

ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË – Tel. +32 22991111

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EUROPEAN CIVIL PROTECTION AND HUMANITARIAN AID

OPERATIONS (ECHO) Disaster Preparedness and Prevention

Prevention and Disaster Risk Management

Brussels, ECHO.B.2/CB

CORRESPONDENCE SLIP

ADDRESSEES: Members of the Civil Protection Committee

Contact points for civil protection for Georgia, Republic of Moldova

and Kosovo*

Project Coordinators of ongoing and past UCPM ‘Track 1’ projects

SUBJECT: Invitation to a workshop on “UCPM technical assistance tools

for investing in disaster risk management”, to be held on 27 and

28 November 2023 in Brussels

REMARKS:

Dear Members, dear Project Coordinators,

Following the save the date message you received, we kindly invite you to attend the

workshop on “UCPM technical assistance tools for investing in disaster risk

management”, which is scheduled to take place in person from 27 November 2023 at

13:00 until 28 November 2023 at 17:30 at the Centre de Conférences Albert

Borschette, Rue Froissart 36, Brussels

The objectives of this workshop are:

1) Improve awareness of the Track 1 – Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk

Management grants.

2) Present the plans for the proposed Technical Assistance Financing Facility

(TAFF) that will be launched in 2024.

3) Raise awareness on short- and long-term opportunities of EU funding for disaster

risk management.

The workshop will be held in English without interpretation, as it will also include

group discussions.

Please kindly nominate up to two representatives per country before 24 October by

sending an email to: ECHO-CP-P&[email protected]. Upon receipt of the nominations,

we will send participants the link to an online form to register all necessary details.

Nominated representatives should have responsibilities in preparing disaster risk

management project and investment proposals. We kindly invite those countries having

already benefitted of Track 1 grants to appoint the project coordinator as one of the two

participants. Their hands-on experience will be highly valuable for the discussion.

The European Commission can arrange and pay for an economy travel ticket and

accommodation for two experts per each country invited to the meeting. The registered

participants will be contacted by the travel agent AMEX, which will make reservations

and provide them with the electronic tickets, and, if needed, accommodation details.

If the registration for the meeting is made after 24 October, the participants are

responsible for arranging the necessary travel details taking into account that the

European Commission will not cover the accommodation and travel costs.

Please note that, to access the Borschette building, participants will need to present

themselves at the reception desk and show their identity card or passport.

We kindly invite participants to send us questions or ideas for discussion before the

workshop, so that we can try to address them in our programme. Some of the project

coordinators will be contacted bilaterally for short presentations of their projects.

We look forward to seeing you in person.

Yours sincerely,

[e-signed]

Leonor NIETO

Head of Unit

Contact: ECHO-CP-P&[email protected]

Enclosures:

- Draft agenda

- Workshop concept note

- List of Track 1 grants awarded during 2019-2022

Electronically signed on 16/10/2023 08:53 (UTC+02) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121

Overview of Track 1 projects 2019-2022

Budget

Year Project full title Coordinator

Total Grant

(EUR) Status Summary (2021 onwards)

2019

Preparation of proposal (investment project) addressing

disaster risk management due to possible threats from

the Belarussian nuclear power plant

Fire and Rescue Department, Ministry of

the Interior, Lithuania 327,400.00 ended

The project set out to prepare an investment to manage and prepare for risks stemming from

a nuclear power plant located in Belarus. The power plant is positioned very close to

Lithuanian/European Union borders. The project will build on a national capability gap

assessment as well as consultations with national and international stakeholders and experts

to contribute to the country’s efforts to enhance its preparedness and response to possible

nuclear accidents.

2019

Assistance in developing a stronger baseline for effective

disaster risk management (enabling conditions for

Structural Funds 2021-2027)

Ministry of the Interior, Croatia 164,740.00 ended

The aim of the project is to improve the disaster risk management in Croatia by developing a

national disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategy as well as comprehensive Risk Assessment

Guidelines with data sets for working groups on detailed risk mapping. Workshops will be

organised to guide stakeholders through the process of developing those documents. These

activities will eventually be complemented by awareness raising efforts through brochures for

government officials, leaflets for the public as well as web-based communication on disaster

risk management.

2019

Proposed new directions to advance civil protection

system in the Czech Republic (development of new CZ

disaster risk management legislation)

Population Protection Institute, Ministry

of the Interior, Czech Republic 58,900.00 ended

The ambition of the project is to foster a culture of prevention and improve cooperation

among various parts of the civil protection system. The main output of the project will be a

comprehensive analytical-synthetic study surveying the existing Czech national system and

examples of good practice from other European countries. Project outputs will also include a

draft of new Czech legislation to regulate the respective areas. The project specifically aims to

develop an information base to support effective disaster management and increased

resilience to climate change at both the level of general policies and at the tactical level.

2019 Feasibility study for the development of a national

disaster damage and loss database (DLD) in Latvia

State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS),

Latvia 95,000.00 ended

The main output of this project is a study aiming to standardise the collection, recording and

aggregation of disaster loss data across several socio-economic sectors. This also includes

reviewing good practices and research from other countries. The outputs of the study will

serve as an integral part for negotiations with the government and all actors involved in

disaster management for the allocation of national funding for implementing the disaster loss

database.

2019 Feasibility study for the development of an early warning

systems based on telecommunication technologies

State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS),

Latvia 95,000.00 ended

This project takes an all-hazard approach by focusing on technical capabilities of

telecommunication service providers to ensure solutions for alerting and informing citizens.

Among other things, the project will develop draft technical specifications for the most

suitable early warning systems (EWS) for Latvia, its cost-benefit and sustainability analyses.

2020 Stakeholders Networking for Multi-risk and Climate

Resilient Strategic Framework in Disaster Management

Crisis Management Department,

Ministry of the Interior, Slovak Republic

(CPCMD)

367,175.00 ended

The project tackles the general need for improved emergency preparedness, prevention and

response. It looks to increase institutional and technical capacity for disaster prevention and

preparedness, communication and data-sharing between stakeholders, legal and policy

papers, technologies and planning, as well as expertise. In order to overcome these obstacles

in disaster management, the project aims to strengthen, modernise and adopt a risk

assessment plan to update policies, strategies and investment needs. It will tailor its risk

assessment plan and methodology to the needs of emergency preparedness, prevention and

response. Other goals of the project include building a foundation for multi-stakeholder

involvement in disaster management, and creating standard criteria for risk assessments on a

regional level.

Overview of Track 1 projects 2019-2022

Budget

Year Project full title Coordinator

Total Grant

(EUR) Status Summary (2021 onwards)

2020 Aid to prioritize fire prevention efforts (FirePrev) Danish Emergency Management Agency

(DEMA), Denmark 269,517.77 ended

The Aid to Prioritize Fire Prevention Efforts (FirePrev) project in Denmark aims to reduce

building fires and encourage smarter spending. The project analyses the risk of building fires

and their causes through statistical regression and supervised machine learning. The risk of

building fires in urban areas can then be visualised in a new web-based map.

2020 High Level Crisis Management Courses Estonian Rescue Board (ERB), Estonia 171,000.00 ended

The ‘High Level Crisis Management Courses’ project in Estonia supports the development of a

training programme to increase the preparedness of the national crisis system by involving

local authorities, municipalities, crisis-management policymakers, and public and private

sectors. It aims to establish a transnational coherent network to raise awareness of risk

assessment and crisis management among its target groups, encourage cooperation between

various stakeholders, and provide key members of the local government with useful

knowledge.

2020 Development of a Long Term Wildfire Prevention

Framework for Istanbul Forest Region

General Directorate of Forestry (GDF)

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,

Türkiye

393,700.00 ended

The project was established on four components which are: development of a strategy

document for Istanbul Forest Region on forest fire prevention (2021-2030), capacity building

on prevention and fire investigation, technical analysis of environmental change (including

climate change and urban sprawl) in relation with wildfires, and development of an exemplary

fire action plan for Prince Islands. The Strategy document and Action Plan will initiate efforts

of the stakeholders and public agencies on fire prevention and enhance institutional

collaboration.

2020 Development of National Disaster Risk Management

Plan

General Secretariat for Civil Protection,

Ministry of Citizen Protection, Greece 750,000.00 ended

The project will develop a multi-risk National Disaster Risk Management Plan to guide the

advancement of DRM activities and facilitate increased investments in risk reduction in

Greece.

2020

The Effect of Climate Change on Critical Infrastructures

Specifically for the Energy Sector in Pilot Region: İzmir –

Aliağa

Ministry of Interior, Disaster and

Emergency Management Presidency

(AFAD), Türkiye

536,500.00 ended

The project 'Effect of Climate Change on Critical Infrastructures Specifically for the Energy

Sector' analyses the risks of technological disasters and climate change for critical

infrastructure in the energy sector. It also investigates best practices, and supports capacity

building and awareness raising. Formed by two components, the project first seeks to

increase the resilience of critical infrastructure by identifying risks caused by climate change.

Its second priority is to build capacity and raise awareness around adapting critical assets to

climate change in a pilot region, İzmir – Aliağa.

2020 Preliminary target group studies for the development of

a risk and crisis communication platform Ministry of the Interior, Estonia 95,000.00 ended

The project will conduct studies to increase citizens' awareness for disaster risks and share

good practices in prevention and preparedness planning. The aim is to develop a crisis

communication platform to generate evidence and knowledge on effective disaster and

climate resilience for improved policy tools.

2020 Technical Assistance for Preparation of Disaster Risk

Management Projects in Croatia - TA for DRM Projects Ministry of the Interior, Croatia 527,000.00 ended

The project will conduct a feasibility study and/or assessment to prepare and upgrade

investments for DRM and climate adaptation (design, cost-benefit analyses, impact

assessments etc.). It will develop a proposal for an investment project addressing DRM or CCA

submitted for funding by national budget, European Cohesion Policy Funds, EIB or the

Worldbank.

2020 Development of National Risk Assessment for all types of

hazards affecting Montenegro

Ministry of the Interior - Directorate for

Emergency Management (DEM),

Montenegro

471,198.00 ended

The project will develop a National Disaster Risk Assessment that addresses human, material,

cultural and environmental threats and analyses available resources to the participants of the

rescue and protection system in Montenegro.

Overview of Track 1 projects 2019-2022

Budget

Year Project full title Coordinator

Total Grant

(EUR) Status Summary (2021 onwards)

2020 Study of the applicability of VR/AR technologies in the

area of civil protection in the Czech Republic

Population Protection Institute, Ministry

of the Interior, Czech Republic 123,500.00 ended

The project will assess the available technical VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality)

systems and propose applications that can enhance prevention, preparedness and response

actions of the CZ Fire Rescue Service. An extensive knowledge base will be created to support

the possible use of VR/AR in prevention, preparedness and response.

2020

Feasibility studies on the promotion of better practice

and raising capacity of State Fire and Rescue Service of

Latvia

State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS),

Latvia 209,000.00 ended

The project centres around a series of three feasibility studies with a goal to provide access to

finance for new investments. The studies will cover the promotion of clean and energy

efficient road transport vehicles, the creation and use of mobile security classes for

preventative measures, and the establishment of a civil protection training complex. The first

study researches possibilities for integrating the use of energy efficient fire trucks and cars in

the operation of the State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia (SFRS). It will explore how to

ensure the necessary technical capacity to maintain the availability and quality of SFRS

services by adapting environmentally friendly vehicles. The second study focuses on creating

efficient stationary and mobile training facilities to improve SFRS preventative measures and

educate people on fire safety and civil protection issues. The final study looks at evaluating

educational processes, resources and infrastructure necessary for colleges to deliver efficient

and modern training. This will contribute to improving fire safety and civil defence education,

and increase interinstitutional cooperation.

2021 Grant for disaster risk management in Lithuania Health Emergency Situations Centre of

the Ministry of Health (HESC), Lithuania 647,429.75

ongoing

(until

02/2024)

The project will deliver a feasibility study of the National Health Emergency Management

System to reveal current systematic problems, assess upcoming risks and propose solutions. It

will propose necessary regulatory, institutional and organisational changes; solutions for

better emergency management models and a modernised risk assessment mechanism; and

the development, modernisation and/or integration of IT systems / tools. The developed IT

system will facilitate coordination and promote a cross-sectoral approach to managing the

risk of further waves of COVID-19 and of major crises of a similar nature.

2021

Reorganization of information and communication

system in the field of protection against natural and

other disasters / disaster risk management with the use

of artificial intelligence (SI DRM AI)

Ministry of Defence, Administration of

the Republic of Slovenia for Civil

Protection and Disaster Relief (ACPDR),

Slovenia

464,265.00

ongoing

(until

03/2024)

The project should result in a comprehensive study on the reorganisation and renovation of

the information and communication system within the Slovenian disaster risk management

system and should encompass four main parts with further actions foreseen for each: (1)

Guidelines for ensuring operational continuity and recovery after a sudden event (2)

Guidelines for reorganisation of regional emergency notification centres in the light of the

effects of climate change and epidemics (3) A study of the use of artificial intelligence to

support decision-making and response processes. (4) Plan of a new organisation of

information and communication system in the field of protection against natural and other

disasters

2021 Technical assistance for the enhancement of the Civil

Protection system for Croatia - TA for CP Ministry of Interior, Croatia 900,600.00

ongoing

(until

02/2024)

This project will result in the finalisation of at least three completed project proposals,

focusing on the improvement of the civil protection system, ready to be submitted for co-

financing from European Structural and Investment funds (ESIF). A thorough analysis of the

current civil protection system will be carried out to identify the direction of and means for its

further development, and will result in a final draft produced of the Civil Protection System

Development Strategy. At least fifty persons will be trained in the areas of project preparation

and/or project implementation and management.

Overview of Track 1 projects 2019-2022

Budget

Year Project full title Coordinator

Total Grant

(EUR) Status Summary (2021 onwards)

2021 Disaster Risk Management Capability Assessment

Ministry of Interior, Rescue and

Protection Directorate (RPD),

Montenegro

652,420.00

ongoing

(until

09/2023)

The main output of this project will be a Disaster Risk Management Capability Assessment to

give a better insight into its technical, financial and administrative capacities in the field of

disaster risk reduction. The purpose of Disaster Risk Management Capability Assessment is to

establish an efficient, flexible and systematic process for the implementation of integrated

disaster risk management with particular focus on prevention measures which can reduce the

disaster impacts and/or likelihood, as well as preparedness measures aimed at the

appropriate response of the system of protection against natural and man-made disasters in

order to mitigate certain impacts or consequences.

2021

Paragon Benelux (Analysis of the needs and

requirements for making a Crisis Information

Management System internationally and cross-border

usable within the Benelux)

Service public fédéral Intérieur (Federal

Public Service Home Affairs), Belgium 740,000.00

ongoing

(until

03/2024)

The outputs of this project will be: (1) Analysis of an (interoperable) ICT platform for sharing

data/information within the Benelux; (2) Business and technical ICT specifications to adapt a

Crisis Information Management System currently being developed to cross-border and

international usability; (3) Identification and analysis of the legal, institutional and

organisational aspects of crisis management with implications for cross-border and

international cooperation; (4) Analysis of the legal/institutional aspects and gaps/needs of

cross-border and international cooperation. The outputs of this project will then be used to

adapt the Crisis Information Management System Paragon so that it can be used in an

international context and for cross-border application.

2021

Research of SFRS structure and capacity, assessment of

the current situation, analysis of functions and tasks for

the development and implementation of a long-term

development strategy of SFRS

State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS),

Latvia 361,000.00

ongoing

(until

02/2024)

This project will produce a Report on the Long-Term Development Strategy for SFRS. It will

produce analytical reports on: (1) Exploration of the structure and capacity of SFRS, including

financial and sustainability analysis; (2) Development of the model of satisfaction, loyalty and

engagement of employees of SFRS. Exploring training opportunities for SFRS officials for the

development of the optimal training model; (3) Assessment of the impact and results of SFRS

prevention measures in audiences of Latvian residents, municipalities and entrepreneurs; (4)

Analysis of the tasks and capabilities of the Operational Management Centre and the

development of a crisis management model. The project will contribute to improving the

efficiency of SFRS, maintaining and restoring the life-saving capacity of the SFRS, in the long

term, ensuring the continuity of the functions and tasks specified in the regulatory framework

and the quality of the services to be provided.

2022 Development of a Spanish national disaster loss

database (IMPACTO)

Directorate-General for Civil Protection

and Emergencies – Spain (DGPCE) 686,359.80

ongoing

(until

04/2025)

The project will develop a national multi-hazard disaster loss database which will provide

essential information for disaster risk decision making based on the shared understanding

that only what is measured can be known in depth and accordingly well managed. The result

will contribute to enhanced knowledge on the impact of disasters at international level

following the recommendation of the Sendai Framework as well as to improved institutional,

technical and financial capacity for implementing and monitoring disaster prevention.

Further, the project aims to create valuable links and connections with the JRC disaster loss

database.

Overview of Track 1 projects 2019-2022

Budget

Year Project full title Coordinator

Total Grant

(EUR) Status Summary (2021 onwards)

2022

Developing Wildfire Prevention and Emergency

Response Plans (F-PERPs) for Forest Villages to Enhance

Climate Adaptation and Mitigation.

General Directorate of Forestry (GDF),

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,

Türkiye

326,800.00

ongoing

(until

01/2025)

The project will strengthen the wildfire prevention and response capacity of the General

Directorate of Forestry and other relevant agencies, including the Disaster and Emergency

Management Presidency (AFAD), by developing specific local solutions through a bottom-up

approach, starting with forest villages. The results can be scaled up to the national and

international levels and to cover other disasters in the future. The project expects to

contribute to emission reductions essential for a green transition and to benefit from the

indigenous knowledge of the villages, combining it with scientific/technical advances to

develop specific good practices to enhance disaster resilience.

2022

Development of a Long-Term Wildfire Prevention

Framework for Istanbul Forest Region – The

Implementation Phase with an Emphasis on Green

Growth

General Directorate of Forestry (GDF),

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,

Türkiye

324,900.00

ongoing

(until

04/2024)

The project will operationalise the previously developed Wildfire management strategy (from

the 2020 project) with an Action Plan and strong capacity building components that also

consider greenhouse gas emission mitigation options in wildfire prevention to support the

Long-Term Climate Strategy of Türkiye. The project will also carry out awareness and

dissemination activities in primary schools. The technical assessments will explore and put

forward the linkage between forest fire management and emission reduction objectives of

the country that will serve a green transition in forestry.

2022 Integrated interventions in disaster risk management

(IIDRM)

Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) –

Department for Emergency Situations

(DSU), Romania

711,189.00

ongoing

(until

01/2025)

The project will develop a strategic framework for disaster risk management and an IT

platform to strengthen capacities for search and rescue operations in the event of aviation

incidents. The project will also enhance the response capacity of the Department for

Emergency Situations for future risks and emergency situations.

2022 Enhancing human and technical aspects of public

warning and crisis communication

Ministry of the Interior, Republic of

Croatia 686,090.00

ongoing

(until

12/2024)

The project will create a conceptual design for the modernisation of Croatia's public alert and

warning system using sirens, with a view to prepare a larger project for financing under the

Cohesion Policy funds. The present project consists of two elements: 1) strengthening the

capacity of the 112 centres' operators by improving competences, and reviewing old and

developing new plans and standard operating procedures; 2) ensuring a facilitated access to

financing investments in disaster risk management through the development of a conceptual

design for modernisation of the public alert and warning system using sirens. The Conceptual

Design will cover the technical specifications for the upgrade and digitalisation of existing

sirens and choosing locations for installation of new electronic sirens.

2022 Futureproof-IE

Office of Emergency Planning,

Department of Defence of Ireland,

Ireland

59,401.60

ongoing

(until

11/2023)

The project will develop a new national risk assessment methodology, taking into account

projections of emerging risks and new methods. This new national risk assessment

methodology will comprise the assessment of traditional risk, emergent risk and existential

global risk in order to produce a robust model for national strategic risk management. The

project intends to already integrate the requirements of the pending EU Directive on the

resilience of critical entities. The project builds on existing work in the field, and the

partnership approach reflects the cross-sectoral nature of risk assessment.

Overview of Track 1 projects 2019-2022

Budget

Year Project full title Coordinator

Total Grant

(EUR) Status Summary (2021 onwards)

2022 National Risk Assessment in North Macedonia (NRA MK) Protection and Rescue Directorate (PRD),

North Macedonia 471,557.20

ongoing

(until

12/2024)

The project will develop a methodology for national risk assessment for natural disasters in

North Macedonia. The Disaster Risk Assessment will contain information and data on: types of

risks which endanger citizens, material and cultural goods, as well as the environment,

different scenarios about the occurance of each risk individually, risk matrices, risk maps, the

degree of threat posed by the identified risks, and analysis of resources available to

participants of the rescue and protection system in North Macedonia.

2022 Risk management for large-scale radiological and nuclear

emergencies

Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority

(STUK), Finland 101,963.50

ongoing

(until

12/2024)

The project will develop a risk management plan and risk management capabilities for large

scale nuclear and radiological emergencies. In particular, the project will propose technical

solutions for radiation measurements at different facilities and establish an expert network to

analyse results. The requirements for the measurement plans will be specified together with

relevant authorities and other stakeholders. The Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety

Authority intends to use the project outcomes in its own emergency preparedness and

surveillance work.

2022

Establishment of comprehensive civil protection and

disaster management training for governmental

institutions, civil protection commissions of

municipalities, universities, SFRS Fire Safety and Civil

Defence College, as well as establishing safety advice for

the public

State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS),

Latvia 209,000.00

ongoing

(until

01/2025)

The project will create a comprehensive civil protection and disaster management training

programme for governmental institutions, local authorities and educational bodies. The

programme will include training material focused on specific target groups and ensure a

systematic and strategic training process on civil protection and disaster management issues.

In addition, the project will develop safety advice for the public, in line with today's changing

threat environment and taking into account the accessibility requirements for the different

groups of the public.

2022

Feasibility study on the evaluation of the current

situation and development of solutions for the

introduction of the optimal model for the further

provision of forest fire protection and fire-fighting

functions in public and private forests in Latvia

State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS),

Latvia 75,050.00

ongoing

(until

07/2024)

The project will deliver evidence-based recommendations for ensuring forest fire protection

and fire-fighting functions in public and private forests in Latvia and also ensuring the

fulfilment of the State Civil Protection Plan and civil protection tasks. The project focuses on

obtaining research information on the current situation in the field of forest fire protection

and firefighting in public and private forests, on the necessary investments to improve the

material and technical base, including financial impact on the state budget and to find

possible solutions for ensuring qualitative function provision.

2022

Study on Development and Management of State

Material Reserves and Resources of the Sector’s Material

and Technical Means for the Implementation of Disaster

Management Measures and Overcoming Sectoral

Hazards

State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS),

Latvia 85,500.00

ongoing

(until

01/2025)

The project will make recommendations concerning the Latvian state’s different material

reserves that can be used in managing different disasters. The project will develop a strategic,

systematic and methodological approach based on risk assessment as resources are

developed on the basis of specific criteria for disaster management as well as for the needs of

the industry. A study will be organised to investigate the existing system of planning and

management of state material reserves and resources of the industry. The study will assess

existing legislation and requirements, good practices, and evaluate other countries'

experience and practices in disaster management.

Overview of Track 1 projects 2019-2022

Budget

Year Project full title Coordinator

Total Grant

(EUR) Status Summary (2021 onwards)

2022

Embedding nature-based solutions into disaster risk

management to strengthen the resilience of Türkiye (Eco-

DRR Türkiye)

The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of

Interior Disaster and Emergency

Management Presidency (AFAD), Türkiye

745,015.00

ongoing

(until

04/2025)

The project will integrate ecosystem-based approaches into disaster risk management policies

and strategies, and mainstream those approaches at local, regional and national levels. The

project will provide a starting point for a paradigm shift in the disaster risk management

system of Türkiye to an ecosystem-based approach to improve the knowledge base and

facilitate sharing of good practices on the connection between the restoration of ecosystem

and nature-based solutions and disaster prevention and preparedness. It will also generate

evidence and knowledge for improved policy and practice on disaster prevention and

preparedness planning, climate resilience and the green transition. The project also aims to

contribute to new policies, strategies and long-term development and investment plans for

anticipating and managing current and future risks.

2022

Preparation of Risk Reduction Guide for Disasters Due to

Climate Change in Cultural Heritage Sites of Turkiye and

A Model Implementation

The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of

Interior Disaster and Emergency

Management Presidency (AFAD), Türkiye

623,504.00

ongoing

(until

12/2024)

It is essential to protect cultural assets from disasters in order to ensure the necessary

cooperation for the survival of cultural and natural values that have been destroyed and

destroyed due to various disasters. This project will prepare a directive for risk management

and risk reduction in cultural assets specific to Türkiye as well as risk reduction actions and

guidelines for the protection of historical structures and cultural resources. The project also

plans to implement some disaster risk reduction practices in a pilot cultural heritage area.