The region is increasingly facing challenges posed by open-space fires, which leave long-term consequences for ecosystems, communities, and the economy. In order to reduce risks and increase the region’s resilience, the Western Balkans Open-Space Fire Management Programme has been launched.
Through enhanced regional coordination and cooperation between the competent ministries, the programme aims to raise public awareness and improve sustainable ecosystem management.
As highlighted on the website of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry of Bosnia and Herzegovina, instead of relying exclusively on traditional approaches focused on extinguishing fires, the programme applies the concept of integrated open-space fire management.
It encourages cross-sector cooperation, capacity building at the local level, and the creation of more resilient regional landscapes capable of responding effectively to fire threats. At the heart of this initiative is prevention, with the goal of managing natural resources sustainably in a way that protects both people and ecosystems, according to energetskiportal.ba.
The aim is to create fire-resilient communities and regions, with the ambition for activities to continue and develop at the regional level. The initiative includes educational programmes, policy development, and hands-on engagement in Western Balkan countries.
Human negligence is responsible for more than 90 per cent of open-space fires in the region, clearly showing that the solutions are in our hands and that joint action is required. As stated on the website, through joint efforts and a long-term vision, we can strive for an ambitious yet achievable goal: zero fires caused by human factors.
Similar prevention programmes also exist in the EU
Similar prevention and risk management programmes have been successfully implemented for years in certain European Union countries, and their experiences can serve as a good example and guide for the region.
Spain applies a combination of technological innovations, legal measures, and public campaigns to prevent open-space fires. In coastal urban areas, the Guardian system has been introduced - tall towers equipped with recycled-water sprinklers that keep the soil and vegetation moist. The towers are connected to sensors that transmit real-time data to firefighters.
Furthermore, regulations on discarding cigarette butts and single-use plastics have been tightened. Tobacco companies are legally obliged to remove cigarette butts and conduct public awareness campaigns. International projects such as ARIEM+ and ATEMPO also play an important role, using satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence, and early risk assessment models to prevent fires before they get out of control.
In Italy, prevention is centred on advanced early detection systems. The S2IGI programme combines satellite imagery, weather forecasts, and data analysis every ten minutes, enabling rapid response and simulation of fire spread.
Italy also participates in the cross-border OFIDIA project with Greece, which uses automatic visual and thermal cameras, GIS maps, and risk indices for continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas. Fieldwork, public awareness campaigns, the involvement of local communities, and the presence of supervision in rural zones are of great importance, given that most fires are caused by human activity.
France approaches fire prevention through a combination of regulations, urban planning, and public education. The Ministries of Ecology, the Interior, and Agriculture carry out national campaigns every year with clear messages ranging from proper disposal of cigarette butts to banning barbecues near vegetation.
By law, there is an obligation to clear areas around houses in high-risk zones, which means removing low vegetation, shrubs, and dead trees. The Georisques platform and daily risk forecasts help residents to be prepared for potential dangers. In fire-prone areas, fire-resistant building standards are applied, with strictly defined distances between vegetation and buildings.
(EUpravo zato)