Important work has been carried out under the "Increasing Resilience of Local Authorities for Forest Protection and Wildfires" project. The project is implemented within the Town Twinning II: Twinning for a Green Future Grant Programme, co-financed by Türkiye and the European Union. It is led by Pozantı Municipality in partnership with Çukurova University, Karaisalı Municipality, the Municipality of Rafina-Pikermi (Greece) and Kyttaro Enallaktikon Anazitiseon Neaon (KEAN).
The main objective of the project is to increase the capacity of local authorities for forest protection and wildfire response, making them more resilient to potential natural disasters. Within this framework, a comprehensive training programme was organised for municipal staff to improve preparedness for wildfires and strengthen response skills in the district of Pozantı.
The training, held on 14–15 November 2024, focused on rapid and effective fire response methods, measures to be taken before and after a fire, use of equipment, firefighting techniques and coordination within teams. Information was also provided on preventive strategies to minimise fire risks. The sessions were delivered interactively by expert trainers and offered participants practical exercises in addition to theoretical information.
Thanks to this training programme, the knowledge and skills of Pozantı Municipality staff in fighting wildfires have increased significantly. By the end of the training, the participants were better able to act in an informed and coordinated way against fires, and their sense of responsibility for protecting the natural assets of the region had been strengthened.
Training of this kind carried out within the project is expected to help both local authorities and local communities act more consciously on environmental protection and sustainability.
