Improvement of safety in the cross-border area of Poland and Ukraine in the field of rescue

The main objective of the project is to improve cooperation in the field of preventing and combating natural disasters and climatic threats, training and equipping rescue units in the border area through planned project activities. The beneficiary of the project(LP) is the City of Augustów, the partner of the UA is the Main Department of State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Volyn region. In this way, roles were assigned during the partners' joint meeting. LP implemented more projects co-financed by the EU, including from international programs such as Interreg. Significant challenges for the project area include:adaptation to climate change, prevention, detection and warning of natural hazards. A serious problem in the Program area are the growing negative effects of global climate change. They cause periods of drought and water shortages, floods, flooding and an increased number of fires. Mutual cooperation is essential to adapt to, prevent and mitigate climate change, in particular forest fires. These phenomena require the capabilities of emergency services adapted to effectively carry out the tasks related to these changes. To solve these problems, it is necessary to equip existing units with cars and rescue equipment necessary to conduct operations on land and water. Project partners identified 3 main problems:Growing threats in PL-UA areas resulting from climate change and natural disasters-Insufficient rescue and firefighting potential of rescue units(infrastructure and skills) in a climate supporting adaptation to changes and coping with natural disasters.Lack of sufficient exchange of experience and cooperation between rescue units in the border area for effective crisis management related to natural disasters and adaptation to climate change.The planned project tasks will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of rescue and firefighting services in the border area of PL and UA in preventing threats related to natural disasters and crisis situations. To ensure a comprehensive approach to identified problems, partners plan investment activities, training and tasks promoting the project and its effects. I.Purchase of vehicles and rescue and fire-fighting equipment for operations on water(PL) 1.Boat with engine+2-axle boat trailer. 2.Medium off-road rescue and fire-fighting vehicle with 4x4 drive, equipped in accordance with National Firefighting and Rescue System (KSRG) standard. 3.Quad with equipment, with 2x4/4x4 drive, with winch and towing hook. 4.Firefighter's outfit:professional dry Dry Overall+Lifeguard helmet+Water shoes, Lifeguard vest–6 sets. On the side of Partner(UA): 1.Operational pyrotechnic diving vehicle with equipment. Wheel formula:4x 2.2 or 4x 4. 2. Fire truck. 3.Water scooter(2pcs.). 4.Underwater drone(1pc.). 5.Quadcopter (drone)(2pcs.). 6.Set of hydroacoustic communication stations(3 sets). 7.Special underwater lighting station(2pcs.). 8.Mirrorless camera with a fast lens(1pc.). 9.Station for hydraulic testing of oxygen cylinders(1pc.). 10.Underwater metal detector(6pcs). II.Exchange of experience through: 1. 3 joint training/exercises for rescue and firefighting services(PL and UA). 2.Joint promotional campaigns-2information picnics for residents, visitors and tourists. 3.Joint project management. The project products will be used by: the VFB Augustów-Lipowiec, the Main Department of State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Volyn region and its organizational units, listed below. The project will improve the equipment and training of units from Poland and the European Union, will contribute to counteracting climate change and natural disasters, improving the safety of residents, protecting property and the environment in the area of operation of the project partners. The implementation of the project creates strong foundations for further development of cooperation between partners.