CMCC facilitates wildfire thematic peer review in Land Brandenburg under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism
From November 18th to November 22nd, 2024, a European team of experts, supported by the European Commission and CMCC, will undertake an on-site mission to Land Brandenburg. The objective of the team is to assist local authorities through a Thematic Peer Review, focusing on the wildfire risk management system in the region and aiming to provide recommendations for its enhancement.
The authorities of Land Brandenburg, Germany, in cooperation with the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), requested a Peer Review of their wildfire risk management capabilities under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) Peer Review Programme.
This programme, coordinated by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), enables Member States, UCPM Participating States, eligible third countries, and European Neighbourhood Policy countries to assess their disaster risk management (DRM) policies and practices. It provides a comprehensive review by identifying strengths and areas for improvement, alongside recommendations to bolster effectiveness.
During the week of November 18th to 22nd, 2024, four experts (peers) from Spain, Portugal, and Italy, selected by the European Commission, will join the mission to support the local authorities of Land Brandenburg in enhancing their resilience against forest fire risks.
This review will not only highlight the good practices and strengths already established but also provide tailored recommendations to further improve the wildfire risk management system, strengthening overall risk management capabilities. It will offer guidance on enhancing policy and operational approaches, facilitating mutual learning, and fostering an exchange of best practices. Additionally, it will raise awareness among local stakeholders. Specifically, this first regional Thematic Peer Review within the UCPM will focus on key aspects of wildfire risk governance, as well as wildfire risk planning, prevention, preparedness, recovery and lessons learned phases. The State School and Technical Facility for Fire and Disaster Protection of the State Brandenburg has successfully engaged national stakeholders and regional authorities to actively support this process.
CMCC experts are taking part in this on-site mission to Land Brandenburg serving as facilitators for the implementation of the Peer Review. This role mirrors their involvement in previous disaster risk management Peer Reviews conducted in Romania (2022), Moldova (2023), Greece (2024) and Italy (2024). With the aim of supporting the peers, they will participate in multi-stakeholders meetings with public authorities, civil society organizations, academic and private sector entities, and collect views and information on managing wildfire risk in the region.
Based on an independent analysis, wildfire Peer Reviews are a strategic tool for strengthening resilience against wildfires at the European, national, and sub-national level, with the primary objective to exchange knowledge through independent analyses conducted by experts from UCPM countries.
The process will culminate in the preparation of a comprehensive final report, which will be presented to the authorities of Land Brandenburg in spring 2025.
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