The project “Strengthening Transboundary Collaboration and Capacities on Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Systems in the Western Balkans” aims to strengthen disaster resilience in the Western Balkans by enhancing cross-border cooperation, risk awareness, and institutional capacities in the areas of disaster risk reduction and early warning systems. Funded by AICS and coordinated by UNDRR as part of the EW4ALL initiative, the project supports Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia in developing more effective, integrated, and action-oriented early warning systems.
In this context, CIMA Research Foundation contributes to the implementation of Pillar I by providing technical assistance aimed at improving multi-hazard assessments, strengthening the operational use of risk information in early warning systems, and developing national capacities through simulation exercises, governance alignment, and the enhancement of information systems.
GOALS AND EXPECTED RESULTS
The ultimate goal is to increase the effectiveness and consistency of disaster risk reduction activities and early warning systems at the national level.
Expected outcomes include improved quality and use of risk information, strengthened coordination between technical institutions and civil protection agencies, enhanced operational and decision-making capacities at the national and regional levels, and greater interoperability of disaster data collection and management systems, thereby contributing to a more timely and effective response to extreme events.
CIMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S CONTRIBUTION
CIMA Research Foundation is participating in the project as a technical partner specializing in strengthening risk awareness and early warning systems in the Western Balkans. Specifically, its activities include:
- supporting the updating of National Risk Assessments and multi-hazard risk maps, with a particular focus on wildfires and other priority hazards in the three target countries;
- integration of risk information into the operational workflows of Early Warning Systems;
- development of capacity-building activities and regional workshops dedicated to geospatial analysis and the use of risk data;
- organization of national Table Top Exercises to test operational procedures, inter-institutional coordination, and communication chains;
- strengthening of Disaster Loss Data systems through adoption of and alignment with DELTA Resilience, including the migration of historical data and technical training for national users.
