Final conference of the project in Galați

National Society of Red Cross Romania – Galati Branch, as the Lead partner of the project “Integrated cross-border approach for an improved capacity to prevent, manage and respond to emergency situations”, together with the project partners, respectively, AO Cross-Border Cooperation and European Integration Agency and Cahul Department of Exceptional Situations organized the final conference of the project on November 10th, 2021. The event was organized online due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic situation. However, it did not prevent the successful implementation of the conference which was attended by 36 people from Romania and Moldova. We could mention the following participants: project partners, representatives from the local administrations of target localities, representatives of the Red Cross branches and from the Headquarters of the National Red Cross Society of Romania, Red cross volunteers, members of SVSU from the localities participating in the project. The results of the project, the difficulties encountered but especially the success stories of this project were presented during the event. Project partners have noted the great interest of the participnts in the training courses that were carried out in the 10 target localities of the project. Thus, the participants expressed their desire to continue the activities after the end of the project, but also to expand its results by submitting new project proposals.

Final conference of the project in Cahul

The Cross-Border Cooperation and European Integration Agency organized on November 3, 2021 the final conference of the project Integrated cross-border approach for an improved capacity to prevent, manage and respond to emergency situations, funded by the Joint Operational Program Romania – Republic of Moldova 2014 -2020. The project was implemented in partnership with the National Society of Red Cross Romania – Galati Branch, and the Cahul Department of Exceptional Situations. The final conference was attended by 37 participants including mayors and employees of the target localities of the project: Borceag, Cucoara, Brînza, Văleni and Zîrnești, representatives from institutions related to emergencies and disaster management, representatives of the media and other stakeholders who have contributed to the implementation of the project. The results of the project were presented during the event and the next steps to be taken after the project end were proposed. Thus, the partners and stakeholders expressed a great deal of interest in continuing the activities within new projects and other initiatives. The needs at local level were assessed and proposals were made by the participants to the conference on how to ensure project sustainability and multiply its results.

Emergency simulation exercise

The National Society of Red Cross Romania – Galați Branch organized within the project Integrated cross-border approach for an improved capacity to prevent, manage and respond to emergency situations an Emergency simulation exercise in Pechea commune on October 22, 2021 There were 57 participants to the event, representatives from the Lead beneficiary, the local administration, members of SVSU Pechea but also general public from Pechea commune. The exercise aimed to test the knowledge obtained by the target group within the project and consisted of several activities: (1) Presentation of the concept of the emergency simulation exercise and SVSU intervention; (2) The intervention for the liquidation of the fire at the Gymnasium school no. 1 and (3) Evaluating the exercise and the lessons learned from it.

Procurement of equipment for DSE Cahul and target localities

The Cahul Department of Exceptional Situations has purchased some of the equipment that will be used to prevent and reduce the consequences of emergencies.

Among the equipment there are: 2 motor pumps, 12 generators of different capacities, of which 2 for DSE Cahul, and 10 for Zîrnești, Cucoara, Brînza, Văleni, Borceag, 250 first aid kits that will be used during the simulation exercises of disasters, but also in emergency situations and 20 protective suits and other equipment that will be used for interventions.

Official launch of the project IMPACT

On 22.09.2020, in Cahul, the official launch of the project took place, which was attended by 30 people. The guests of the event were the project partners, the National Society of Red Cross Romania – Galati Branch, representatives from DSE Cahul, members from ACTIE, representatives of the village halls from Cucoara, Brînza, Borceag, Zîrnești and Văleni, accompanied by teachers, educators, people of culture in these localities. During the event, there were presented the description, objectives, activities and results of the project. The mayors of the target localities described the calamities they have faced in recent years and the damage they have caused. They confirmed the need to take action in advance for unforeseen situations and to be prepared for their occurrence. Each mayor showed his openness to collaboration and involvement in all project activities.

Study visit for best practices exchange in Cahul

On 29.01.2021, ACTIE hosted a study visit for best practices exchange carried out by mayors from 5 localities in Galati County. The guests visited the Cahul Department of Exceptional Situations, where there were presented the equipment purchased within the project and how the firemen are preparing to intervene in emergency situations.

Another 2 visits were made to the Intercommunity Volunteer Fire Service in Colibași and in the village of Brînza.

Similarly, on February 2-3, the mayors of the villages of Zîrnești, Cucoara, Brînza, Văleni and Borceag made a study visit to Galați County and ISU Galați.

Following the 2 visits, the mayors and project partners concluded an Agreement on the creation of the IMPACT network, through which the signatories undertake to help each other in case of emergencies.

Best practice exchange seminar aiming to improve emergency management.

On 27.11.20, was organized a best practice exchange seminar in the field of exceptional situations, supported by representatives of DSE Cahul, National Red Cross Society of Romania – Galati branch and an expert in emergency situations from Galati, with the participation of local authorities and the members of the commissions for exceptional situations from Cucoara, Brînza, Borceag, Zîrnești and Văleni. The seminar presented the most common types of risks that can occur in Cahul district and Galati county. In addition to the basic theoretical presentations, the seminar focused on implementing practical methods to reduce the effects of natural or man-made crisis situations. Disaster prevention activities focus on reducing vulnerability and strengthening communities by identifying different security needs at the local level. The expected outcome of this seminar and other activities to be implemented through this project is to have well-trained committee members for exceptional situations who can adequately prepare the population for a disaster before it occurs. Along with activities that will focus on training the population to prevent and manage the consequences of a disaster, the expected outcome of this activity is to have well-prepared communities and to reduce the risks to their lives, health and property.