Volunteers in Action for people’s safety and nature protection

EU

N/A

2021 - 2027 IPA CBC North Macedonia - Albania

To enhance capacities of public services dealing with disaster response

01/11/2025

30/04/2028

EUR 796.000,00

EUR 676.600,00

Volunteer engagement is a cornerstone of European civil protection, with up to 95% of mountain and water rescues carried out by specialized volunteer organizations. In challenging environments, these volunteers provide critical expertise and dedication to save lives. The region faces historical gaps in civil protection, with limited governmental support for volunteer rescue services and adherence to European standards. Rapid growth in adventure tourism further increases risks, as local systems are often unprepared for accidents and emergencies. Strengthening volunteer-led civil protection is essential to safeguard lives, manage risks, and align the region with European best practices.

New initiatives will enhance rescue, safety, and environmental protection in North Macedonia and Albania. A Multipurpose Center in Peqin, Albania will serve as a regional hub for rescue training, coordination, and community development. It will host practical exercises, educational programs, and support social inclusion for people with disabilities. Rescue teams will receive specialized gear and training, with mountain rescue sessions led by the National Union for Mountain Rescue aligned with international standards. The Lifeguard Service of the Red Cross will introduce an ambulance boat on Ohrid Lake, providing swift medical transport and care. Workshops will improve governance and cooperation among local authorities, aligning with European standards. Nature conservation efforts will include eco-friendly boat tours to Golem Grad island and eco-patrols in Galicica National Park to prevent illegal activities. Joint training for rangers and rescue volunteers will enhance responses to emergencies. These initiatives aim to create a safer, sustainable cross-border region, showcasing the impact of partnership and solidarity.

Overall objective:
To build strong neighborly relations by jointly improving the capacities of voluntary rescue services and public institutions for emergency response and environment protection in cross-border areas.

Project activities:

• Construction and equipment for a Multipurpose Center in the Municipality of Peqin, Albania
• Arranging and marking a helipad near the Center to increase the efficiency of the rescue teams
• Procurement of specialized rescue equipment following ICAR recommendations, for the needs of volunteer teams within the National Union for Mountain Rescue (NUMR) and Albanian Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation (AMMTF)
• Procurement of specialized off-road vehicles for the needs of volunteer teams within NUMR and AMMTF
• Study on sustainable use of helicopters in rescue operations
• Conducting joint mountain rescue training as well as delivery of advanced training
• Establishment of an operational structure and SOPs for search, rescue, and medical transport on Ohrid Lake
• Provision of specialized equipment to increase the efficiency of the diving teams for search and rescue on Ohrid Lake and conducting advanced training for members of the Lifeguard Service to operate with the procured equipment
• Procurement of an ambulance boat for transport of patients on Ohrid Lake and provision of appropriate training
• Procurement of two eco-friendly boats and three pontoon docks for organized visits to Golem Grad island
• Marking of trail for exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Golem Grad island
• Training and engagement of at least two seasonal workers to operate the eco-friendly boats and guide the visitors on Golem Grad island
• Development of SOPs for joint monitoring of visitors and establishing voluntary “eco patrols” to prevent illegal activities, forest fires, and accidents on the territory of Galicica National Park
• Conducting joint training for rangers and mountain rescue volunteers according to the agreed SOPs and publication of appropriate educational, informational, and promotional material, for raising public awareness
• Workshops for strengthening governance planning and administrative capacity building of municipalities and national parks (as public authorities)
• Installation of a cistern for rainwater collection from the roof of the “Spiridon” rescue station and a filtration system and directing the accumulated water to drinking troughs for wild animals
• Procurement of 20 sets of equipment for extinguishing forest fires

Expected outputs:

• Multipurpose operational and training center for Mountain Rescue is constructed and functional in the municipality of Peqin, Albania
• Specialized equipment and vehicles (6 sets) for mountain rescue are procured and put into operation for volunteer teams in the South-West and Polog regions in North Macedonia and the regions of Elbasan in Albania
• Joint mountain rescue training is conducted for volunteers from both countries by international standards and the recommendations of ICAR (International Commission for Alpine Rescue).
• Established and operational water rescue center on Ohrid Lake equipped with modern equipment for efficient search and rescue.
• A specialized ambulance boat is procured and operational for transport of patients along the Ohrid Lake.
• Increased capacity of the Public Institution Galicica National Park for organized visits and management of visitors’ activities in the strictly protected area of Golem Grad island, Prespa Lake.
• Enhanced cooperation between the Park’s ranger service and the volunteer Mountain Rescue Service through developed SOPs for prevention and efficient response in case of accidents and forest fires.
• Installed and operational rainwater harvesting system in the high areas of the Galicica National Park, is put into operation at the “Spiridon” rescue station and serves as a water source for wildlife and in case of forest fires.