Jems
A formal handover ceremony for advanced emergency response equipment procured within the SmartProtect project was held at the Firefighting Association of Split-Dalmatia County in Croatia. The SmartProtect project is co-financed by the Interreg VI-A IPA Cross-border Cooperation Program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 and focuses on strengthening disaster risk prevention and management capacities through the introduction of innovative technologies, enhanced institutional cooperation, and improved operational preparedness across the program area.
The project, with a total value exceeding EUR 1.4 million, is implemented by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FESB), University of Split, as Lead Partner, in cooperation with project partners from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. As part of the project activities, the Firefighting Association of Split-Dalmatia County officially received advanced technological equipment intended for wildfire monitoring, emergency coordination and operational response, including:
- Ten operational drones,
- A mobile command and coordination unit,
- And additional communication and operational equipment
The delivered equipment greatly enhances operational capabilities and improves preparedness for wildfire and other emergency risks in the Mediterranean region. Special focus was placed on the practical use of drone technologies in wildfire management, including real-time terrain monitoring, situation assessment, coordination of response units, and support for command centers during complex emergencies. The project helps introduce innovative technological solutions into civil protection and firefighting systems by combining UAV technologies, remote sensing, digital communication systems, and advanced operational coordination tools.
Representatives of regional authorities and firefighting agencies emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among scientific institutions, operational services, and public authorities in addressing increasingly complex climate-related and natural disaster risks. The SmartProtect project also promotes climate resilience and encourages joint preparedness and coordinated emergency response efforts across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The handover ceremony received significant media attention at the national, regional, and local levels, further raising public awareness about wildfire prevention, civil protection, and the importance of cross-border cooperation in disaster risk management.
