Presenting the project "Cross-border protection and rescue from floods"
The project was prepared and implemented by the Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro, in partnership with the Directorate for Emergency Situations of Ministry of Interior of Montenegro and the Sector for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of the Republic of Serbia, and in cooperation with the municipal authorities for protection and rescue from Berane, Niksic and Pljevlja municipalities. The aim of the project is to improve the resistance of the cross-border zone and targeted municipalities in flood, by strengthening technical and human resources, cross-border cooperation and raising the level of awareness on the prevention and management of this natural disaster.
Within the Cross-border Programme Serbia – Montenegro, the project has been approved by the European Union, which funded 175.418 Euros, or 85% of the total cost of the project value -206,375.18 Euros.
Project, which was implemented in the municipalities of Berane, Niksic and Pljevlja in Montenegro and Prijepolje, Priboj and Nova Varos in Serbia, is the result of a common aspiration to contribute to the efficient protection against the floods that have recently become more frequent in the area of both countries and which cause substantial damage and affect human health. Cross-border cooperation in this field is of great importance for both countries that face similar problems brought by natural disasters, and the exchange of experiences in this field achieved through joint realization of the project is very important in the fight against the consequences caused by natural disasters.
Montenegrin side has received 206,375.18 euros and the project lasted 20 months, namely from the 15th of August 2012 until 15 April 2014.
Aim of the project is to improve the resistance of the cross-border zone and target municipalities in flood strengthening technical and human resources, cross-border cooperation and the raising of awareness of the population on the prevention and management of this natural disaster. Project was aimed at strengthening municipal services for protection and rescue (the target municipalities were Niksic, Berane and Pljevlja) and other relevant units in the system of protection and rescue (canoeing and rafting clubs) as well as the Directorate for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro. In addition, a large number of activities were aimed at informing the citizens about the possible risks and dangers of flood prevention measures and activities that need to be taken in the case of flooding.
Benefits of the project
The benefits of the IPA project "Cross-border protection and rescue from floods" are numerous. Equipment for rescuing from the flood, which was acquired through the project will largely contribute to a better and more efficient response in case of natural disasters which, unfortunately, are increasingly common throughout region.
Besides the equipment, a very important segment of the project were the cross-border trainings for lifeguards in fast waters and in the case of floods, as well as demonstration practices, which significantly contributed to better preparedness of those who are the first line of defence and protection from floods. Activities related to informing citizens have allowed the population to be presented with situation regarding the risk of flooding, preventive measures and actions to be taken in cases of flooding, with special attention paid to children.
Children, as a very sensitive target group, when it comes to natural disasters, through well-designed classes had the opportunity to learn more about natural disasters in general, the risks and causes of flooding dangers they bring, as well as instructions for response before, during and after floods.
Additionally, improved cross-border cooperation between institutions and agencies from Montenegro and the Republic of Serbia, dealing with the protection and rescue, is one of the most important results of the project, since the floods have no limits and that the two countries are often faced with the same or similar problems, which can often be better and more effectively solved together. An example of this were the floods that hit the region in May 2014, during which Serbia used equipment procured through this project, and trained rescuers had the opportunity to test the level of preparedness and knowledge gained throughout this project as well. So the project practical application was very fast, which is, of course, not a matter of joy for us, but it certainly encourages and obliges us to continue with similar initiatives since the number of disasters and their consequences are increasing day by day.
The most important results of the project Cross Border protection and rescue from floods:
-purchased equipment for the protection and rescue from floods for the Directorate of Emergency Management of Montenegro worth 92.763 Euros;
-45 rescuers from Montenegro and Serbia attended the four-day training in Berane, 27-30 May 2013, out of which 43 received internationally recognized certificates Rescue 3 in the event of flooding;
-40 rescuers from Montenegro and Serbia attended four day training for rescue in fast waters in the case of floods organized in Prijepolje, 27-30 March 2014;
-A seminar on EU best practice related to the rescue in the event of flooding was held, which was attended by 41 lifeguards;
-Two cross-border demonstration practices took place;
-44 lectures for elementary school students on the topic of flood protection and preparedness for emergencies were organized in Montenegro for 1978 students;
-Standard operating procedures (SOP) for crossing the border operational units were adopted;
-Awareness of local people, about preparedness for emergencies and protection and rescue from floods through media activities, is significantly raised
In order to continue the work on improving the protection and rescue system in Montenegro and the region, and strengthening the capacity to respond to natural and other disasters, as well as the strengthening the cross-border and regional cooperation, Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro continued with the preparation of projects in this area, one of which, entitled "Cross-border fire protection" is granted by the European Union in the framework of cross border cooperation of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina and its implementation is ongoing.
