Skopje, 11 February 2026 (MIA) – Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the political system Ljupcho Dimovski, Minister of Local Self-Government Zlatko Perinski and the Director of the Public Enterprise for Managing and Protecting the Multipurpose Area Jasen, Angele Sotirovski, attended an event Wednesday marking the delivery of modern firefighting equipment for Jasen. The equipment was provided as part of the cross-border project “Prevention and management of wildfires in the cross-border area as a means for adaptation to the climate change (WILD-A).”

As Deputy Prime Minister Dimovski noted, the delivered equipment represents a significant outcome of the project implemented under the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme “Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027,” funded by the European Union. Dimovski emphasized that the project focuses on wildfire prevention and biodiversity protection in two high-risk areas: the suburban pine forest in Edessa in Greece and the multipurpose natural reserve are Jasen in North Macedonia.

Dimovski said that under the project, Jasen has received a high-capacity firefighting water truck, two terrain vehicles equipped with a fire extinguishing pump and tank, a long-range optical surveillance system and equipment for small infrastructure interventions. He added that personal protective and professional firefighting gear for forest fighters will also be supplied.

The project is implemented under the first call of IPA III – the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme with the Republic of Greece, as a collaboration between four organizations from both countries. The Macedonian partners are the Public Enterprise for Managing and Protecting the Multipurpose Area Jasen and the Balkan Foundation for Sustainable Development. The total budget for the Macedonian partners amounts to €458,370, of which €91,674 has been provided as national co-financing by the Ministry of Local Self-Government.

Minister of Local Self-Government Zlatko Perinski said that summer fires, like those seen last year in Jasen cause severe ecological and economic damage. “Our responsibility is to invest early in prevention and preparedness to stop these damages before they happen, not just to fix them afterward,” he added.

As part of the project, a technical solution is planned, including an early fire detection and extinguishing system to be implemented by regional authorities, with the possibility of replication in other high-risk areas. The project also includes activities for scientific expertise, research and support for public awareness campaigns. 

“Through joint cooperation, knowledge, technology, and dedication, we not only reduce the risks of forest fires but also promote integration, responsibility, and active participation of the local community,” Director of the Public Enterprise for Managing and Protecting the Multipurpose Area Jasen, Angele Sotirovski, said.

The total approved budget for the Public Enterprise Jasen as a project partner amounts to €338,370, of which €298,290 is allocated for the procurement of equipment.

Photo: Ministry of Local Self-Government