On Friday, March 27, the final event of the CROSS ALERT project took place in Udine, at the headquarters of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The project will officially conclude on April 15. The event was held in cooperation with the WILDFIRE CE project.
The CROSS ALERT project focuses on the prevention and management of the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events in the cross-border area between Italy and Slovenia, particularly in relation to floods and wildfires. It represents an upgrade of previously implemented projects, whose importance is further confirmed in light of increasingly frequent weather-related disasters.
The event began with opening remarks by Stefano Zannier, Regional Councillor for agri-food, forestry and fisheries resources; Rinaldo Comino, Director of the Forestry Service; Janez Furlan, Head of the Department for Economy and Development at the Municipality of Ajdovščina; Chiara Vecchiato, representative of the Managing Authority of the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme; and Andrea Giorgiutti, Commander of the Regional Forestry Police.
The project partners then presented the key results of the project. Among the most important achievements highlighted were the procurement of vehicles and equipment, the preparation of an action plan, and a joint cross-border exercise, which took place the following day, March 28, in the Municipality of Duino-Aurisina.
Special attention was also given to the CROSS ALERT action plan, which, in addition to standard areas, includes topics that have not previously been at the forefront of Italy–Slovenia projects. These include extreme weather phenomena such as storms, hail, and ice storms, as well as technological risks, chemical accidents, pandemics, and more.
The event was further enriched by a presentation of the WILDFIRE CE project, which focuses on wildfire prevention and effective management. Participants were introduced to its platform and actively took part in working groups, where they shared their opinions and experiences through a survey.
In the afternoon session, participants also listened to presentations of action plans developed within other projects across Italy, Slovenia, and the wider Central European region.
The project represents an important step towards greater safety and improved preparedness for the challenges posed by climate change, while also strengthening cooperation between partners on both sides of the border.
