On September 5th, 2024, the Final Event of the project “Joint Action to Reduce the Increased Risk of Forest Fires to Nature and People in the Context of Climate Change in Bosnia and Herzegovina” was successfully held in Mostar. The project is focused on reducing the increased risk of forest fires in the context of climate change in Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing concrete tools and solutions that are increasingly necessary given the rising number of forest fires and their increasingly devastating consequences in the country and the region.

In the presence of numerous experts and representatives of relevant institutions and organizations, project results were presented, along with related programs addressing the issue of forest fires, and experiences were exchanged regarding possibilities and directions for further action. The interactive map of fire susceptibility was particularly highlighted—this is the first tool of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina that categorizes geographical locations based on their susceptibility and risk of forest fire occurrence, significantly contributing to better prevention and planning of interventions. This tool, along with the policy document “Roadmap for Reducing the Risk of Forest Fires,” offers solutions for enhancing the safety of forest ecosystems, settlements, and industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, the project resulted in an educational promotional video as part of the “For Forests Without Fire” campaign, available at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6VLvpN0l4U.

The final part of the event was marked by a plenary discussion with esteemed experts in forestry, meteorology, and climatology. Through constructive exchanges of opinions, numerous conclusions were formulated that will further enhance future activities in the field of forest protection. It was concluded that the connection between forests and climate change is inseparable, and in today’s time when climate change poses increasing threats to our forests, we must focus on preventive measures to combat forest fires, such as educating and raising awareness among children and adults, particularly among local populations in rural areas near forests, tightening penal policies, and ensuring additional resources for improving forest fire protection. To achieve long-term results, coordination and joint action among representatives of the government, non-governmental sector, professional community, and ultimately the general public—every individual on an individual level—are essential.

“The interactive map of fire susceptibility in Bosnia and Herzegovina and our policy document encourage and support more effective preventive measures for forest fire protection. Climate change and forest fires are deeply interconnected, and we must take all necessary measures to protect our valuable forest resources,” stated FEA, the organization that implemented this project and created these significant results.