Training and Operations
Specialized training in wildfires: practical learning for safer fire suppression.
In 2023, we carried out the second phase of the EGIF Program, together with CONAF (Chile). The EGIF Program is a training framework designed by the Foundation to empower organizations and train professionals in preventing and suppressing fires. We continued to offer training in wildfire scenarios, applying a training model based on the acquisition of knowledge and skills through practical exercises. In addition, we introduced team management training, focusing on the human factor.
Likewise, we organized and coordinated training at the national and international levels, where we applied a methodology based on the creation of spaces of trust for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among professionals from different agencies, to improve the suppression capacity and security in emergency scenarios. To do this, we counted on our excellent training and operations team, and an international network of experts who assisted us as trainers.
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PARTICIPANTS
Knowledge and Applied Science
We facilitate projects that integrate the entire spectrum of wildfires: research, emergency services and society.
We work to lead and participate in R&D projects to increase excellent research and promote advances in the field of wildfires.
In 2023 we started the European project “FIRE-ADAPT” on the role of Integrated Fire Management on carbon dynamics, biodiversity and cultural ecosystem services in different tropical and subtropical regions with altered fire regimes. We also started the MedEWSa project to create an early warning network at the Mediterranean level to help improve decision-making in an emergency.
We, therefore, continued to connect the fire community, research and society through collaborative projects, integrating the forest fire community in international competitive projects, and strengthening alliances with companies and development centers to create innovative tools for emergency management.
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ACTIVE
PROJECTS
Resilient Landscapes and Societies
We propose strategic management actions to have landscapes and societies adapted to wildfires.
The Foundation promotes the resilience of landscapes through the analysis of the territory, and the proposal of specific management actions at key points.
In 2023 we have continued to expand the “Ramats de Foc” (Fire Flocks) project with the incorporation of shepherds from Muntanyes de Prades (Tarragona) and Baronia de Rialb (Lleida). In addition, we started a project to develop a plan for the restoration of biodiversity and absent and degraded ecological processes in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, as well as technical projects on solutions in urban-forest interface areas, analysis of the state of fire management in Argentina or wildfire risk analysis in Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland).
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ACTIVE
PROJECTS
Education
and Awareness
We seek a change in the perception of wildfires, promoting sustainable management of fire and natural resources through education.
The Foundation contributes to changing the social perception of wildfires through educational and outreach activities.
In 2023, we have continued working with schools to raise awareness among children about the need to learn to live with fire. We want to raise awareness about the importance of forest management and a true rural economy to manage wildfire risk.
In addition, during 2023 we created outreach material to disseminate knowledge about wildfires, and we delivered talks in various forums.
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PARTICIPANTS IN
THE MEFITU PROJECT
Community
We foster participation and give the wildfire community visibility.
We facilitated the participation of the Foundation’s members, through the opportunities we offered them to participate in events, and training and awareness-raising actions at the local, national and international level. We also gave visibility to our community on our communication channels, and through their participation in the media.
The Foundation also has continued supporting and giving visibility to vulnerable and minority groups in the field of wildfires. Particularly, in 2023 we carried out several actions to showcase the work of women in the wildfire sector.
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ACTIVE PROJECTS
