What is the event about?
Strengthening resilience to wildfires requires an integrated approach that combines advanced technologies with nature-based solutions (NbS). While video surveillance, early detection systems and predictive software can improve fire monitoring, risk assessment and response, the conservation and appropriate management of grasslands and traditional, diverse landscapes can also contribute to reducing the continuity of combustible vegetation, limiting the potential spread of fires and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Such approaches can deliver additional benefits for biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation.
This event will present Croatia’s experience in strengthening its capacity to detect, monitor and respond to wildfires, with a particular focus on video surveillance for early fire detection, digital technologies and software for predicting fire spread, and the role of operational firefighting services. It will also highlight the importance of nature-based approaches, including grassland conservation, as complementary measures for reducing fire risk and strengthening landscape resilience.
The Croatian experience will be complemented by examples and perspectives from other Mediterranean countries, providing an opportunity to exchange knowledge, practical solutions and lessons learned in wildfire prevention, preparedness and response.
The discussion will focus on how technological innovation, scientific knowledge, effective land and ecosystem management, and operational experience can contribute to a more integrated and effective approach to managing and adapting to the growing risk of wildfires under climate change.
What is the key message?
Sharing experiences and effective practices is essential to strengthening the capacity of Mediterranean countries to prevent, detect and respond to wildfires in a changing climate.
Croatia’s experience, together with practical examples from other Mediterranean countries, will demonstrate how early detection, fire spread prediction, operational preparedness, and knowledge exchange can contribute to effective adaptation to the growing risk of wildfires, improved wildfire management, and greater resilience of people and ecosystems.
Objectives:
- Present Croatia’s approach to wildfire detection, monitoring and response.
- Showcase the application of video surveillance and predictive software in supporting wildfire management.
- Highlight the importance of cooperation between firefighting services, public authorities and the scientific community.
- Exchange experiences and good practices from Croatia and other Mediterranean countries.
- Discuss common challenges and practical approaches to wildfire prevention, preparedness and response under changing climatic conditions.
- Identify lessons that countries can adapt to their own national circumstances.
