Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria Türkiye

Date of latest update: 2026-09-21

Description

Description (EN):

The project aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation between Bulgaria and Türkiye in preventing and responding to forest fires, addressing a common risk that threatens local communities, ecosystems, and economies in the border region. By building on existing experience and aligning national approaches, the initiative creates a joint framework for disaster preparedness and response, improves institutional capacities, and promotes active community involvement. A Joint Management Team will be established to ensure effective coordination, with regular meetings and continuous communication between all partners. The project will be officially launched through a two-day public and technical event, raising awareness while setting the operational foundations for implementation. Throughout the project, synergies will be developed with other international initiatives in the field of wildfire resilience, ensuring the exchange of best practices and the use of common methodologies. Key outputs include the joint development of Standard Operational Procedures, cross-border disaster response plans, and a Forest Fires Implementation Plan for Edirne and Kırklareli, all aligned with European standards and the Türkiye Disaster Response Plan. To further improve preparedness, comprehensive fire risk analyses and detailed risk maps will be elaborated for 30 border villages in Türkiye, supporting better planning and resource allocation. Knowledge exchange will be promoted through an international workshop in Kırklareli, bringing together around 100 participants, including experts, academics, and practitioners from both countries, to harmonize approaches and share innovative solutions. Capacity building is a central element of the project. Training materials will be developed, supporting structured training sessions for 120 volunteers and first responders in Bulgaria and Türkiye. In addition, practical volunteer trainings will be organized in 30 Turkish border villages, resulting in the establishment of local firefighting teams of nearly 200 community members. To ensure sustainable coordination, the existing Volunteer Tracking System will be updated and expanded, integrating newly trained volunteers and improving interoperability between forestry and disaster response institutions. The project will also deliver specialized firefighting equipment to both professional institutions and local volunteer teams, ensuring that new procedures and trainings are supported with the necessary tools. The effectiveness of all these measures will be tested in a large-scale joint cross-border demonstration exercise simulating a forest fire near the border. The exercise will involve professional responders and local volunteers, testing communication, coordination, and the use of procured equipment. It will conclude with an evaluation meeting in Edirne and a final press conference in Bulgaria, presenting the achievements and lessons learned, supported by promotional and media materials. As a result, the project will deliver tangible improvements in wildfire protection across the Bulgaria–Türkiye border region. It will enhance the capacity of institutions and communities, create harmonized operational procedures, strengthen cooperation between national authorities, and ensure better-prepared and better-equipped teams on both sides of the border. By combining planning, training, equipment, and large-scale demonstrations, the initiative will significantly reduce wildfire risks and build long-term resilience for the population and natural environment of the cross-border area.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, the FLAMESHIELD partnership focused primarily on establishing the administrative, organizational, financial and procurement framework necessary for the effective implementation of the project. The project teams were established by the partners, with relevant orders, responsibilities and job descriptions prepared. The partners familiarized themselves with the Programme Manual and other relevant programme requirements and established the necessary administrative and financial procedures, including project filing and archiving arrangements. Project accounts and, where applicable, separate tax identification arrangements were also established. An advance payment was received by some partners, enabling the preparation for the implementation of the planned activities. The partners maintained regular communication with the Lead Partner and participated in project coordination and monitoring meetings, including the Kick-off Monitoring Meeting held on 7 July 2026. These meetings supported the clarification of responsibilities, implementation arrangements, reporting requirements and the next steps for the project. Significant progress was made in relation to procurement preparation. Procurement plans covering the planned purchases under the responsibility of the partners were prepared and, where applicable, submitted to and approved by the Joint Secretariat. Preparatory activities for several procurement procedures were initiated, including the preparation of tender documentation, market price surveys and internal arrangements for launching procurement procedures for vehicles, equipment and other project-related supplies. In some cases, procurement procedures have already been launched or contracts for the preparation of tender documentation have been signed. The partners also initiated preparations for the implementation of the activities planned under the different work packages. However, due to the initial stage of project implementation and, in some cases, pending approval of procurement plans and other preparatory requirements, no significant physical outputs or equipment deliveries were completed during the reporting period. Communication and visibility activities were also initiated. Information concerning the launch of the project was prepared and published, while promotional materials were produced/delivered for project-related events. The partners also started preparations for forthcoming project meetings and activities. Overall, the first reporting period was mainly dedicated to setting up the project management and administrative structures, establishing the necessary financial and procurement arrangements, ensuring coordination among the partners and preparing the conditions for the implementation of the planned activities. Despite the limited number of physical outputs achieved during this initial period, the partnership has established the necessary basis for the effective implementation of the project in the subsequent reporting periods. During the first reporting period, the FLAMESHIELD partnership focused primarily on establishing the administrative, organizational, financial and procurement framework necessary for the effective implementation of the project. The project teams were established by the partners, with relevant orders, responsibilities and job descriptions prepared. The partners familiarized themselves with the Programme Manual and other relevant programme requirements and established the necessary administrative and financial procedures, including project filing and archiving arrangements. Project accounts and, where applicable, separate tax identification arrangements were also established. An advance payment was received by some partners, enabling the preparation for the implementation of the planned activities. The partners maintained regular communication with the Lead Partner and participated in project coordination and monitoring meetings, including the Kick-off Monitoring Meeting held on 7 July 2026. These meetings supported the clarification of responsibilities, implementation arrangements, reporting requirements and the next steps for the project. Significant progress was made in relation to procurement preparation. Procurement plans covering the planned purchases under the responsibility of the partners were prepared and, where applicable, submitted to and approved by the Joint Secretariat. Preparatory activities for several procurement procedures were initiated, including the preparation of tender documentation, market price surveys and internal arrangements for launching procurement procedures for vehicles, equipment and other project-related supplies. In some cases, procurement procedures have already been launched or contracts for the preparation of tender documentation have been signed. The partners also initiated preparations for the implementation of the activities planned under the different work packages. However, due to the initial stage of project implementation and, in some cases, pending approval of procurement plans and other preparatory requirements, no significant physical outputs or equipment deliveries were completed during the reporting period. Communication and visibility activities were also initiated. Information concerning the launch of the project was prepared and published, while promotional materials were produced/delivered for project-related events. The partners also started preparations for forthcoming project meetings and activities. Overall, the first reporting period was mainly dedicated to setting up the project management and administrative structures, establishing the necessary financial and procurement arrangements, ensuring coordination among the partners and preparing the conditions for the implementation of the planned activities. Despite the limited number of physical outputs achieved during this initial period, the partnership has established the necessary basis for the effective implementation of the project in the subsequent reporting periods.

Project outputs: 2 jointly developed solutions (operational procedures and joint response plans) created(EN)
Pilot Action 1: Joint volunteer and professionals trainings(EN)
Pilot Action 2: Joint cross-border field exercise(EN)
588 200 ha of cross-border territory covered by upgraded wildfire protection measures.(EN)

Thematic information

Managing natural and man-made threats, risk management Rural and peripheral development Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-A_BG-TK_2) Integrated development of the cross-border region

Priority specific objective: RSO5.2. Fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental local development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security in areas other than urban areas

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO5 A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories and local initiatives

Type of intervention: 058 Adaptation to climate change measures and prevention and management of climate related risks: floods and landslides (including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches)

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Главна дирекция "Пожарна безопасност и защита на населението"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 951768172

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG 129010164

Address: Pirotska, 1309 Sofia, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://www.mvr.bg/gdpbzn

Total budget: EUR 2 287 210.28

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 1 944 128.73

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 343 081.55

Община Болярово

Name: Община Болярово

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911142826

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000970051

Address: D. Blagoev, 8720 Bolyarovo, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website (not verified): https://www.bolyarovo.bg/

Total budget: EUR 97 076.34

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 82 514.88

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 561.46

Община Тополовград

Name: Община Тополовград

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 888897137

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000970464

Address: Osvobozhdenie Square, 6560 Topolovgrad, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://topolovgrad.bg/

Total budget: EUR 122 841.99

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 104 415.69

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 426.30

Община Свиленград

Name: Община Свиленград

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 926227393

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000903825

Address: Bulgaria Blvd., 6500 Svilengrad, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.svilengrad.bg/

Total budget: EUR 125 390.02

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 106 581.51

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 808.51

Devlet Su İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü/DSİ 11. Bölge Müdürlüğü / DSİ 112. Şube Müdürlüğü

Name: Devlet Su İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü/DSİ 11. Bölge Müdürlüğü / DSİ 112. Şube Müdürlüğü

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 933313825

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2940339642 | 3131545711 | Dedicated Project Tax Number (EN)

Address: Karakas Mahallesi, Edirne Blvd No:7/6,, 39000 Kirklareli, Turkey

Department address: Karakas Mahallesi, Edirne Blvd No:7/6, 39000 Kirkalreli, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://bolge11.dsi.gov.tr

Total budget: EUR 694 182.23

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 590 054.89

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 104 127.34

Afet ve Acil Durum Yönetimi Başkanlığı Edirne İl Müdürlüğü

Name: Afet ve Acil Durum Yönetimi Başkanlığı Edirne İl Müdürlüğü

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 932534721

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 32400823154 | NA | NA (EN)

Address: Fatih Mah. Ibrahim Zagra Blvd. No 6/A, 22100 Edirne, Turkey

Department address: Fatih Mah. Ibrahim Zagra Blvd. No 6/A, 22100 Edirne, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://edirne.afad.gov.tr

Total budget: EUR 274 294.44

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 233 150.27

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 144.17

Kırklareli İl Afet ve Acil Durum Müdürlüğü

Name: Kırklareli İl Afet ve Acil Durum Müdürlüğü

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 876995140

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 5581228164 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Kocahidir Mahallesi Fahrettin Altay Blvd No:69, 39000 Kirklareli, Turkey

Department address: Kocahidir Mahallesi Fahrettin Altay Blvd No:69, 39000 Kirklareli, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://kirklareli.afad.gov.tr/

Total budget: EUR 415 779.84

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 353 412.86

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 62 366.98

Orman Genel Müdürlüğü İstanbul Orman Bölge Müdürlüğü

Name: Orman Genel Müdürlüğü İstanbul Orman Bölge Müdürlüğü

Department: Forest Firefighting Department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891542036

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4810534091 | 4811482537 | Dedicated Project Tax Number (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 1 159 694.86

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 985 740.63

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 173 954.23

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Bolyarovo Municipality

Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Partners and Projects info

Topolovgrad Municipality

Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Partners and Projects info

Община Свиленград

Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Partners and Projects info

General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ)/ 11th Regional Directorate of DSİ/112th Branch Directorate of DSİ

Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Partners and Projects info

AFAD Edirne Provincial Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Management

Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Partners and Projects info

Kırklareli Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate

Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Partners and Projects info

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

Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Partners and Projects info

Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection

Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Operation of strategic importance (OSI) or above EUR 5 million

Project name (EN): Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Project acronym: FLAMESHIELD

Project ID: BGTR0500192

Project start date: 2026-05-08

Project end date: 2029-05-07

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

"Enhancing the Technical Capacity of the Units of the Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection and Preparing the Population for Forest Fire Response”, financed under the Environment Programme 2021–2027 (EN) | Trainers from the cross-border region, who were trained under this national project, will be engaged in delivering volunteer and first responder trainings in Bulgaria. This approach ensures continuity of expertise and allows the current project to build on already established local capacity for wildfire preparedness. (EN), Co-Resilience: “Cooperation for Wildfires Community Resilience Capacity Building and Early Warning in the Black Sea Basin”, financed under Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027 (EN) | Тhe Volunteer Tracking System, to be updated in the current initiative, was initially developed under Co-Resilience. It provides a tested framework for volunteer management, registration, and interoperability, ensuring more efficient coordination and response during wildfire emergencies in the cross-border region. (EN), ISeC: "Intelligent Strategic Transnational Development for Response in Case of Large-Scale Natural and Man-Made Hazards and Disasters", financed by the Interreg-IPA CBC Bulgaria–Turkey 2014–2020 Programme (EN) | Under the ISeC project, Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) and a Joint Response Plan for actions in case of natural and man-made disasters were developed for the cross-border region of Kırklareli, Turkey, and Yambol, Bulgaria. The procedures and plans to be developed under the current project will take these previously established SOPs and Joint Response Plan into account, building on the experience and frameworks created by ISeC. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 5 176 470.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 4 399 999.46

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 4 399 999.46. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Project Management Setup
Official Project Launch
Developed SOPs
Developed Joint Disaster Response Plans
Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building through a Joint Workshop in Kirklareli, Türkiye
Developed Fire Risk Analyses and Risk Maps for Border Villages in Türkiye
Developed Forest Fires Implementation Plans
Knowledge exchange and presenting local risk analyses and plan through joint meeting in Edirne
Developed training materials
Conducted trainings of 120 volunteers and first responders
Conducted trainings for wildfires firefighting teams from Kirklareli and Edirne 90 people.
Conducted trainings in 30 border villages
Updating of Forest firefighting Volunteer Tracking System and integration of the volunteers
Open Doors Day for Students – Discovering Fire Safety and Rescue Equipment
Design and Distribution of educational posters in schools
Tracked bulldozers for Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection (LP)
Water tanks for the villages and trailers for GDoF, Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry (PP2)
Self protection equipment for the volunteers and trained locals for GDoFI Reg Dir of Forestry (PP2)
Truck tractors for PP2 - General Directorate of Forestry Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry
Radio communication lines for GD of Forestry Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry (PP2)
Operation comand vehicle 4*4 for GD of Forestry Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry (PP2)
Operat equipm. for volunteers and experts for Kırklareli Provincial Disaster and Emergency Dir(PP3)
Pick-up for oper.respons, oper.control vehicle, prof.comp. and tabl.for the rescue oper.man. for PP3
One unmanned aerial device (drone) for PP3- Kırklareli Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate
One coordination center - 4*4 vehicle for PP4 - AFAD Edirne Provincial Dir. of Disaster and Em. Man.
Minibus for response teams for PP4 - AFAD Edirne Provincial Directorate of Disaster and Em. Managm.
Laptop and professional tablet for operation management for PP4 - AFAD Edirne PDoDaE Management
Drone for observations - for PP4 - AFAD EPDirectorate of Disaster and Emergency Management
One tracked excavator - for PP5 GDoSHW(DSİ)/11th Regional Dir. of DSİ/112th Branch Dir. of DSİ
One 4x4pick-upVehicle command center and one truck for PP5 GDoSHW(DSİ)/11th Reg.Dir.of DSİ/112th BD
One Mini Backhoe Loader - for PP5 GD of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ)/ 11th Reg.Dir.of DSİ/112th BDir
One set of GPS,leveling equipm.and Self-prot. equipm. forPP5GDof SHW (DSİ)/11th RDoDSİ/112 BD of DSİ
Pickup truck equipped with a specialized fire extinguishing system and other specializ.equipm.forPP6
Pickup truck equipped with a specialized fire extinguishing system and other special.equipm.for PP7
Pickup truck equipped with a specialized fire extinguishing system and other special. equipm.forPP8
Conducted meeting for planning and preparation
Conducted joint cross-border field exercise for fire near the border
Conducted final press conference

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal The project contributes to the European Green Deal by promoting environmental resilience and reducing the impact of forest fires in the cross-border region. Through joint disaster preparedness, operational procedures, and capacity building for professionals and volunteers, the project supports climate action and protection of local ecosystems. By enhancing early response and prevention measures, the project helps mitigate damage to forests, biodiversity, and communities, aligning with the EU’s objectives for a greener, safer, and more resilient environment.
Other EU Forest Strategy (2021–2030)
The project contributes to the EU Forest Strategy by addressing key priorities related to sustainable forest management, protection against forest fires, and adaptation to climate change. Through the development of joint operational procedures, cross-border wildfire response plans, and the implementation of targeted protection measures, the project strengthens preparedness in high-risk forest areas in Bulgaria (Burgas, Yambol, Haskovo) and Türkiye (Edirne, Kırklareli). Establishing local volunteer fire teams and training first responders improves the operational capacity and readiness of local institutions, while the delivery of specialized equipment ensures effective intervention during wildfire events. The project also fosters cooperation between Bulgarian and Turkish authorities, creating a framework for coordinated prevention and emergency response that can be scaled up and applied to other cross-border forest areas. By integrating these practices into regional management plans, the project supports long-term resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable use of forest resources, directly contributing to the EU Forest Strategy objectives.
Other National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (Bulgaria and Türkiye)
The project directly supports the implementation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies in Bulgaria and Türkiye by strengthening preparedness, coordination, and response to wildfire risks in the cross-border regions. Through the development of joint operational procedures, cross-border disaster response plans, and targeted local actions, the project ensures harmonized practices and clear protocols for emergency situations. Local volunteer teams and professional responders are trained according to standardized programs, enhancing skills, knowledge, and operational readiness. Specialized firefighting equipment is delivered to regional and local units, improving efficiency and safety during interventions. By embedding these procedures, plans, and tools into regional practices, the project reinforces institutional capacities, reduces vulnerability of communities to wildfires, and contributes to long-term disaster risk reduction objectives outlined in the national strategies. Additionally, the cross-border cooperation fosters knowledge exchange, joint planning, and resource sharing, ensuring that risk reduction measures are implemented effectively and consistently on both sides of the border.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 028 - Area covered by protection measures against wildfires, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 036 - Population benefiting from wildfire protection measures, Measurement unit:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria Türkiye

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)

36 / 36 (100%)

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

111 / 111 (100%)

Notes on the data

There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, the sums of its project partners' budgets exceed, in a few cases, the projects' total budgets.

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Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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