PRIORITY 1 - Transition to a low carbon economy
The Wild-A project responds to the urgent need for wildfire prevention and biodiversity protection in two high-risk areas: the suburban pine forest of Edessa in Greece and the multipurpose natural reserve area JASEN in North Macedonia. Both sites face escalating threats from wildfires that endanger ecosystems, urban infrastructure and water resources. By combining advanced detection technologies, civil protection measures, and community engagement, the project aims to safeguard nature and improve climate resilience across the border region.
In Edessa, works will focus on protecting the northern city zone adjacent to a 606-hectare pine forest, directly exposed to wildfire risks. Interventions include installing an early fire detection, automatic warning and extinguishing system, improving access roads for fire response and ensuring the secure operation of the city’s main pumping station that supplies emergency water.
In JASEN area, the project will complete fire protection measures by providing a high-capacity firefighting water truck, two terrain vehicles with integrated pumps, a long-range optical surveillance system and equipment for small infrastructure interventions.
The Region of Central Macedonia acts as Lead Beneficiary, coordinating project management, communication and the main technical pilot in Edessa. The Public Enterprise JASEN leads awareness and sustainability activities while implementing the civil protection measures within the reserve. The Municipality of Edessa ensures small-scale infrastructure upgrades, particularly the safeguarding of the pumping station and accessibility improvements for emergency vehicles. The Balkan Foundation for Sustainable Development provides scientific expertise, delivering research on wildfire protection measures in suburban and urban green areas, and supporting awareness campaigns.
Core outputs include the installation of early fire detection and extinguishing systems in Edessa, advanced firefighting vehicles and surveillance equipment for JASEN and a joint study on protection measures in urban–forest interface areas. Four cross-border public events—capacity-building workshops, volunteer training sessions and awareness campaigns—will disseminate knowledge and engage local communities.
Primary beneficiaries are the 20,000 residents of Edessa and the communities living near JASEN, who will gain greater safety and resilience against wildfires. Local authorities and civil protection services benefit from access to new technologies and best practices, while businesses dependent on healthy ecosystems (tourism, forestry, agriculture) gain from reduced fire risks. Volunteers and staff of participating organizations will also strengthen their skills and capacity.
Wild-A foresees the successful delivery of one major joint pilot action, the cooperation of four organizations across the border and four cross-border public events involving local stakeholders. The project ensures the uptake of at least one technical solution (early fire detection and extinguishing system) by regional authorities, with the capacity to replicate it in other high-risk areas. Long-term, the project will result in safer communities, reduced economic losses from fires and the preservation of more than 15,000 hectares of biodiversity-rich landscapes. The total budget amounts to €1.45 million, with 80% co-financed by the EU.
Lead Beneficiary
Project Beneficiaries