PRIORITY 1 - Transition to a low carbon economy
The FireFly project is a two-year cross-border initiative dedicated to preventing and managing the growing threat of forest fires in the region.
The project’s activities are concentrated in Central Macedonia in Greece (Thessaloniki and Serres) and the regions of Pelagonija, Vardarski, Jugozapaden and Jugoistocen in North Macedonia, while an EU-level study visit will transfer additional expertise.
The Lifelong Learning Center of the Region of Central Macedonia, as Lead Beneficiary, is responsible for project management and coordination, while also organizing certified training cycles and workshops on crisis management, GIS and community engagement. The Region of Central Macedonia strengthens civil protection with modern emergency response equipment and takes the lead in organizing the European Symposium in Thessaloniki. The Serres Airclub introduces advanced aerial technology through the acquisition and piloting of a gyroplane capable of surveillance and rapid deployment and it will host joint pilot actions such as an international air rally and an aerial fire-simulation exercise. The Center for Development of the Pelagonija Planning Region invests in a specialized firefighting SUV and coordination vehicle, organizes local trainings for firefighting units and contributes to the cross-border cooperation protocol. Finally, the Protection and Rescue Directorate of North Macedonia installs an AI-based fire detection and warning system, coordinates training for civil protection units, and oversees the EU study visit to exchange expertise with European protection and rescue centers.
FireFly’s deliverables include the establishment of a formal cross-border cooperation protocol on forest fire prevention and management, the introduction of innovative technologies such as the gyroplane, the AI detection system and specialized firefighting vehicles and a series of large-scale joint events including the European Symposium, the International Air Rally and the aerial surveillance simulation in Bitola. Training and workshops will certify more than 120 participants in disaster management, GIS and crisis response, while public campaigns, studies, a project website and community events will reach at least 2,000 citizens, raising awareness on fire prevention and environmental protection.
FireFly will strengthen early detection and rapid response capacity across more than 250,000 hectares of high-risk forest and NATURA areas in Central Macedonia and Pelagonija. It will contribute in the reduction of the frequency, duration and impact of forest fires and protection of property, infrastructure and human lives. By preventing fires, the project also directly contributes to climate change mitigation, limiting CO₂ emissions and desertification.
With a total budget of €1,343,490, co-financed by the EU (80%), FireFly combines advanced technology, knowledge transfer and strong institutional cooperation to build a safer, more resilient cross-border region, while promoting sustainable development and environmental protection for future generations.
Lead Beneficiary
Project Beneficiaries
