Cooperation for Wildfires Prevention and Nature Preservation in Protected Areas of the Black Sea Basin

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2026-09-07

Description

Description (EN):

The Co-NatureGuard project addresses a critical common challenge in the Black Sea region: the prevention and management of wildfires, particularly in protected natural areas and national parks. The region's diverse ecosystems are increasingly threatened by the frequency and intensity of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change. This challenge requires coordinated action across borders to protect the ecological, economic, and social value of these areas. The Black Sea Basin was a witness of the Europe's biggest fire in Dadia Forest Reserve in 2023- unprecedented in Greece in its intensity, the Dadia fire has been classed by the European Commission as the largest ever recorded in the EU. After the analyses of the reasons and actions of the responsible institutions before and during the fire, there was found the several reasons for this massive ecological tragedy, that actually are common for the target four countries of the BSB: - The primary focus of natural park management institutions is the preservation of the ecological heritage, encompassing both flora and fauna. However, the responsibility for wildfire control and monitoring is often assigned to specialized firefighting institutions, including forestry directorates. This division of responsibilities has led to a lack of comprehensive risk analyses for wildfires, particularly in protected areas. As a result, these areas remain vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of wildfires, hindering proactive mitigation efforts. - significant number of protected areas lack modern monitoring and early warning systems for timely wildfire detection and response. Additionally, the absence of established communication channels between nature protection and disaster management institutions further exacerbates the challenge. - The limited coordination capacity among institutions undermines the effectiveness of nature rangers in disaster management efforts. Often, their primary focus is on biodiversity preservation, relegating disaster prevention to a secondary concern. This is expressed in limited observation technologies, monitoring and fire -response equipment, limited trainings and practices they have in disaster prevention and mitigation. The primary objective of the Co-NatureGuard project is to establish a robust framework for sustainable wildfire prevention and management across the Black Sea region and especially of its Nature Protected Areas- more than 75 areas are covered by the project. This framework will enhance the capacity of regional and national institutions to effectively monitor, detect, and respond to wildfires with the application of the advanced technologies and implementation of comprehensive fire risk analyses and fire management planning. The expected change is a significant reduction in wildfire incidents and damage, leading to better preservation of natural habitats, improved safety for local communities, and sustained ecological balance of the targeted four countries - TR, BG, GR and GEO and the Black Sea Basin at general. The project unites the efforts of key national and regional institutions responsible for civil protection, wildfire management, and nature conservation. By fostering collaboration, five institutions from four target countries are working together to enhance monitoring, coordination, and response efforts at both local and international levels. This cooperative approach aims to improve the effectiveness of forest fire management and the protection of natural areas. Observation capacity will be significantly enhanced through the implementation of innovative technologies for wildfire observation, such as thermal drones /BG, GEO/, mobile fire-observation towers /TR/ and sensor-based early warning systems /GR/, across the four target countries. The project covers a vast territory, extending from the border area of Türkiye with Greece and Bulgaria, encompassing the border territories of these three neighboring countries, and reaching all of Turkish Thrace, Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, and nearly 5% of the territory of Georgia. Comprehensive risk analyses to identify high-risk areas and potential wildfire scenarios of 75 protected areas in the BS region will be prepared. Pilot steps in cooperation between nature protection and forestry management institutions will be done with joint data exchange and coordination capacity building trainings. The Co-NatureGuard project adopts a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tackle the wildfire challenge in the BSB: bringing together for local and international cooperation the regional and national institutions responsible for forest management, nature protection and wildfire response. The project adopts a transnational approach, focusing on the development and implementation of sustainable joint methodologies. It promotes joint preparedness and includes the joint international exercise, featuring a fire drill conducted collaboratively among the four countries.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Ensuring nature protection and preservation through enhancing wildfire management and prevention in more than 75 protected areas of the four BSB countries through a comprehensive approach that includes advanced risk analysis and planning, improved local and international wildfires management coordination, and the deployment of state-of-the-art monitoring and early warning systems in 7 protected areas. This overarching objective aims to protect more than 75 protected areas in the BSB from wildfires by leveraging up-to-date technologies and fostering joint capacity and cooperation among relevant institutions from Türkiye, Bulgaria, Greece, and Georgia. Throughout the project lifetime, measurable progress will be made in enhancing risk analysis, coordination, and monitoring systems, ultimately reducing the frequency and severity of wildfires in the targeted protected areas. More than 150 experts will increase their coordination capacity for nature protection and fire management.

Project outputs: Established sustainable cross-border cooperation and joint capacity for wildfire response, particularly in protected areas of the four countries(EN)
Developed Joint communication and wildfires observation systems in Türkiye and Greece(EN)
Organized joint Public events for capacity building in integration new technologies in fire observation and coordination in case of CB fires (EN)

Thematic information

Managing natural and man-made threats, risk management Cooperation between emergency services Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P2) Clean and Green Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 060 Adaptation to climate change measures and prevention and management of climate related risks: others, e.g. storms and drought (including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches)

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: Orman Genel Müdürlüğü İstanbul Orman Bölge Müdürlüğü

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891542036

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4810534091 | 2111553626 | Tax number of the project (EN)

Address: Maslak Mah. Buyukdere Blvd. Sariyer, 34398 Istanbul, Turkey

Department address: Maslak Mah. Buyukdere Blvd. Sariyer, 34398 Istanbul, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.ogm.gov.tr/istanbulobm

Total budget: EUR 513 671.44

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 462 304.29

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 51 367.15

სსიპ დაცული ტერიტორიების სააგენტო საქართველოს გარემოს დაცვისა და სოფლის მეურნეობის სამინისტრო

Name: სსიპ დაცული ტერიტორიების სააგენტო საქართველოს გარემოს დაცვისა და სოფლის მეურნეობის სამინისტრო

Department: International Relations and Project Management Department of the Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 882156413

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 204911337 | na | na (EN)

Address: Vladimer Tsitlanadze I lane N1, 0114 Tibilisi, Georgia

Department address: Vladimer Tsitlanadze I lane N1, 0114 Tibilisi, Georgia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://Apa.gov.ge

Total budget: EUR 223 993.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 201 594.42

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 399.38

ΑΠΟΚΕΝΤΡΩΜΕΝΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΗ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑΣ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ

Name: ΑΠΟΚΕΝΤΡΩΜΕΝΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΗ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑΣ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ

Department: DIRECTORATE OF CIVIL PROTECTION

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 938707025

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 997612629 | na | na (EN)

Address: PROF. ROSSIDI, 54655 THESSALONIKI, Greece

Department address: PROF. ROSSIDI, 54655 THESSALONIKI, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.m-t.gov.gr/

Total budget: EUR 316 750.35

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 285 075.31

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 675.04

Регионална Дирекция по Горите - Бургас

Name: Регионална Дирекция по Горите - Бургас

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891539320

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 000057880 | 000057880 | BULSTAT (EN)

Address: Ivan Shisman 8, 8000 Burgas, Bulgaria

Department address: Ivan Shisman 8, 8000 Burgas, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://burgas.iag.bg

Total budget: EUR 215 634.96

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 194 071.46

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 563.50

Contractors:

Name: Cholakov and Partners Ltd.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 102841138
Name: Evrika Ltd.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 102878670
Name: ImPRessa Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 208792713

T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı Doğa Koruma ve Milli Parklar Genel Müdürlüğü 1. Bölge Müdürlüğü

Name: T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı Doğa Koruma ve Milli Parklar Genel Müdürlüğü 1. Bölge Müdürlüğü

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 888147715

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 3021413892 | 2111553714 | Tax number of the project (EN)

Address: Buyukdere Blvd. Fatih Orman Kampusu No:265 Sariyer, 34398 Istanbul, Turkey

Department address: Buyukdere Blvd. Fatih Orman Kamps. No:265 Sariyer, 34398 Istanbul, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://bolge1.tarimorman.gov.tr/

Total budget: EUR 395 444.17

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 355 899.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 544.42

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Agency of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

Cooperation for Wildfires Prevention and Nature Preservation in Protected Areas of the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

DECENTRALISED ADMINISTRATION OF MACEDONIA THRACE

Cooperation for Wildfires Prevention and Nature Preservation in Protected Areas of the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Burgas Regional Forestry Directorate

Cooperation for Wildfires Prevention and Nature Preservation in Protected Areas of the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, 1st Regional Directorate

Cooperation for Wildfires Prevention and Nature Preservation in Protected Areas of the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Republic of Türkiye General Directorate of Forestry Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry

Cooperation for Wildfires Prevention and Nature Preservation in Protected Areas of the Black Sea Basin

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Cooperation for Wildfires Prevention and Nature Preservation in Protected Areas of the Black Sea Basin

Project acronym: Co-NatureGuard

Project ID: BSB00780

Project start date: 2026-02-26

Project end date: 2028-04-25

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

The project will seek synergies with other EU-funded programs such as LIFE, Horizon Europe, and Interreg. (EN) | Potential linkages with ongoing LIFE and Horizon Europe projects focused on climate adaptation and environmental monitoring will be explored. The project team will attend relevant EU program forums and workshops to share knowledge and identify collaboration opportunities.
LIFE ClimAction: This project focuses on climate adaptation strategies, which include measures to manage and prevent wildfires. The partners will benefit from the research data and prepared strategies for the climate adaptation during their work on the fire risk analyses of the targeted protected areas in the BSB.
FIRE-RES: This Horizon Europe project aims to increase resilience to wildfires across Europe through innovative technologies and practices. - The innovative technologies
developed by FIRE-RES will be analysed by the project partners and discussed during the joint capacity building and international electronic and risk analyses on Forests conference organized by the project. Also, some technologies proposed by the FIRE-RES will be integrated in the fire observation systems such as the remote sensing data and machine learning algorithms as sustainable wildfire risk assessment tools. (EN), Project Co-PREVENT funded by the BSB Programme 2014-2020 (EN) | Under the project Co-Prevent, managed under the leadership of the current Lead Partner and developed in cooperation of Four partners from Four countries: TR,BG, GR and MOL, was developed a platform for exchange of environmental monitoring data / https://bsbcoprevent.com// . The data from the early warning and observation systems applied under the current project will be uploaded in BSBCoprevent platform. (EN), TREEADS funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101036926. (EN) | Under the TREEADS project a Forrest black box system was elaborated:
A system that consists of a multitude of low cost IoT platforms consisting of sensors strategically spread in the forest which will be able to monitor nearby flammable gas and smoke emissions (such as LPG), local temperature and humidity, capture images and sounds and detect movement.
In the current project the PP4 will apply similar technology of sensors based early warning system in Dadia forest in Greece and will share technological knowledge and innovative methods for observation with the other project partners. (EN), SILVANUS project - Integrated Technological and Information Platform for Wildfire Management
Funded by the EU Horizon 2020 Green Deal program and coordinated by Università Telematica Pegaso, SILVANUS project includes 49 partners from the European Union, Brazil, Indonesia, and Australia, with a budget of €24 million for a period of 42 months. (EN) | The key output of the project is the release of a climate resilient forest management platform to prevent and suppress forest fire. SILVANUS relies on environmental, technical and social sciences experts to support regional and national authorities responsible for wildfire management in their respective countries. SILVANUS scientists and research engineers will aid the civil protection authorities to efficiently monitor forest resources, to evaluate biodiversity, to generate more accurate fire risk indicators, and promote safety regulations among the local population affected by wildfire through awareness campaigns.
The joint exercise that will be done in the scope of the current project will benefit from the SILVANUS project achievements and lessons learnt in organizing international fire-scenarios and coordination with the different stakeholders. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 665 494.72

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 498 945.23

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea The Co-NatureGuard project contributes to the Common Maritime Agenda strategy in several ways:
Environmental Protection: By focusing on wildfire prevention and management in the Black Sea Basin countries, the project contributes to the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. Wildfires can have indirect impacts on marine environments through the release of pollutants into rivers and streams, which eventually flow into the sea. By preventing wildfires in protected areas, the project helps preserve the quality of marine habitats and the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
Sustainable Resource Management: Preserving terrestrial ecosystems and preventing wildfires helps maintain the integrity of watersheds and reduce soil erosion. This, in turn, contributes to the sustainable management of water resources, which are crucial for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and supporting coastal communities that depend on fishing and tourism.
Climate Change Resilience: Wildfires are exacerbated by climate change, and their impacts extend beyond terrestrial ecosystems to marine environments. By implementing measures to prevent and manage wildfires, the project contributes to building resilience to climate change impacts in the Black Sea Basin region. This aligns with the Common Maritime Agenda's goal of promoting climate resilience and adaptation strategies for coastal and marine areas.
Cross-Border Cooperation: The project promotes transnational cooperation among Black Sea Basin countries to address common environmental challenges, including wildfires. By fostering collaboration between participating countries, the project contributes to the implementation of the Common Maritime Agenda's objectives related to regional cooperation and coordination in the management of marine and coastal resources.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion By focusing on wildfire prevention and management in the Black Sea Basin countries - especially Greece, the project contributes to environmental protection in the Adriatic and Ionian regions. By implementing measures to prevent wildfires and protect natural habitats, the project helps preserve the environmental integrity of the wider Adriatic and Ionian region.
The project promotes transnational cooperation among Black Sea Basin countries to address common environmental challenges. This collaborative approach fosters synergies with neighboring regions, including the Adriatic and Ionian regions, by sharing best practices, knowledge, and resources. By working together across borders, the project contributes to the objectives of the EUSAIR related to cooperation and sustainable development in the broader Adriatic and Ionian region.
Wildfires are exacerbated by climate change, which affects regions beyond the Black Sea Basin, including the Adriatic and Ionian regions.
By implementing measures to prevent and manage wildfires in the Northern Greece, the project contributes to building resilience to climate change impacts in this region. This aligns with the EUSAIR's goal of promoting climate resilience and adaptation strategies in the Adriatic and Ionian region.
The project directly supports sustainable tourism in the Adriatic and Ionian regions by preserving natural landscapes and ecosystems of the protected area of Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufli Forest National Park. Healthy ecosystems are essential for maintaining the attractiveness of tourist destinations and supporting recreational activities such as wildlife watching, and eco-tourism. By protecting natural areas from wildfires, the project helps sustainably manage tourism resources in the region.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The Co-NatureGuard project supports the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in several ways, with a particular emphasis on the involvement of Bulgarian partner - Burgas Regional Forestry Directorate:
The project promotes transnational cooperation among Black Sea Basin countries, including Bulgaria, which is part of the Danube Region. By fostering collaboration between Bulgarian partners and counterparts from other participating countries, the project contributes to the objectives of the EUSDR related to cross-border cooperation and coordination in addressing common challenges, such as wildfire prevention and management.
Wildfires have significant environmental impacts on ecosystems, water quality, and air pollution, affecting regions beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. By implementing measures to prevent wildfires and protect natural habitats, including those managed by the Burgas Regional Forestry Directorate and the biggest National park of Bulgaria - Strandzha National Park, the project contributes to the preservation of environmental quality in the Danube Region.
The project provides opportunities for capacity building and knowledge exchange. Through participation in project activities, including training sessions, workshops, and exchanges with other project partners, Bulgarian stakeholders will enhance their expertise in wildfire management, risk analysis, and early warning systems, contributing to the objectives of the EU Strategy related to knowledge sharing and capacity development.
Other The project contributes to several other national and international strategies such as:
- Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, aiming to substantially reduce disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, and health. By implementing early warning systems, advanced monitoring technologies, and comprehensive risk analyses, the project enhances the resilience of communities and ecosystems to wildfires, aligning with the Sendai Framework's emphasis on disaster risk reduction.
- EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: By focusing on wildfire prevention and management in protected areas, the project helps safeguard biodiversity hotspots, restoring natural habitats and maintaining ecological balance. This aligns with the EU's goal to protect 30% of Europe's land and sea areas by 2030.
- EU Forest Strategy: The project promotes the sustainable management of forests in the Black Sea Basin, preventing wildfires and supporting the conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems.
- Natura 2000 Network: By focusing on protected areas, including those part of the Natura 2000 network /BG and GR/, the project helps maintain and improve the conservation status of these sites, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity.
Other European Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM): Three project target countries Bulgaria, Greece and Türkiye are members of the UCPM. In the scope of the project they will strengthen their disaster preparedness and response capabilities through improved coordination, communication, and joint training exercises among participating countries. Additionally joint data from the developed early warning systems will be shared between the partnes at the joint monitoring data exchange platform - Disaster prevention platform, prepare under the Co-Prevent project. .
- EU Green Deal: The project addresses climate change impacts by preventing wildfires, which are exacerbated by rising temperatures and extreme weather events. It also promotes sustainable land management practices, contributing to the Green Deal's targets for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing carbon sinks.
- UN Sustainable Development Goals: The project supports several SDGs, including:
SDG 13 (Climate Action): By mitigating wildfire risks and enhancing climate resilience.
SDG 15 (Life on Land): By protecting terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable forest management.
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): By fostering transnational cooperation and partnerships.
Other The project fully supports and contributes to the National Strategies of the four target countries such as Climate Adaptation Strategies, National Forest Strategy / TR/, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan /TR/, National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy /BG/, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan /GR/, National Forest Strategy /GR/, National Forest Strategy for Georgia, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan /GEO/.
The Co-NatureGuard project supports these national strategies by enhancing wildfire prevention and management, which is critical for the conservation and sustainable management of forests and protected areas. Key contributions include:
Enhanced Risk Analysis and Planning: Utilizing advanced technologies to perform comprehensive wildfire risk analyses, which align with the national objectives of forest conservation and climate adaptation.
Improved Coordination and Data Exchange: Establishing communication channels between firefighting agencies, civil protection units, and nature conservation authorities to ensure effective disaster response and management.
Advanced Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Implementing state-of-the-art technologies like drones and thermal imaging cameras for early detection of wildfires, which supports national efforts to prevent and manage forest fires.
Capacity Building and Training: Providing training programs for park rangers and emergency responders, enhancing their skills in modern monitoring tools and techniques, which aligns with national goals of building institutional capacities.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Türkiye (TR), Kirklareli and Edirne , according to the provided locations in the annex, na, 39000
Türkiye (TR), Istanbul, Buyukdere Blvd. Fatih Orman Kampusu No:265 Sariyer, na, 34398
Elláda (EL), Soufli, National Forest Park of Dadia, Lefkimi, na, 68400

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

83 / 83 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

373 / 374 (99.73%)

Notes on the data

There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, in one or more cases, the sum of the project partners' budgets exceeds the total budget of the respective project. Interact is working with the Programme to correct those figures.

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Cooperation for Wildfires Prevention and Nature Preservation in Protected Areas of the Black Sea Basin

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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