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Description
In Greece, there is complexity and gaps in the disclosure of the data related to the resources invested; the funding sources and the process of accessing them. Improving transparency will lead to better use of resources and therefore better results.
The aim of the project is to enhance transparency in the management of state resources for the prevention and suppression of forest fires and to propose institutional interventions that will promote good governance by strengthening social control mechanisms.
Actions include: Data collection, mapping of funding and stakeholder groups, identifying gaps & malfunctions at different levels of management and decision-making for which specific interventions will be proposed to supervise the absorption of funding, highlight good practices from abroad, and disseminate knowledge that will be produced through cooperation with mass media and information measures for the target groups.
The target groups will be: forest firefighting volunteer groups, other NGOs, public authorities & local authorities in high fire danger risk areas. Beneficiaries will have full access to the findings of the survey and will contribute to the development of the tools that will strengthen their watchdog role allowing them to exert political pressure and become agents of change.
WWF Greece, as the implementing body, will coordinate and implement all actions except the investigative journalism and dissemination of research results, which will be undertaken by MIIR partner.
Summary of project results
Following the devastating wildfires in 2021, which burned over 1.5 million acres, the project addressed the urgent need to strengthen Greece’s fire protection system. Key challenges included the lack of transparency in the management of public funds for fire prevention and response, ineffective resource allocation, and the need for institutional reforms. The project aimed to improve governance of the national forest protection system through better financial oversight and public awareness.
The project conducted a national-level assessment of resource allocation in fire prevention and suppression efforts, marking the first such evaluation in Greece. It brought the issue of forest fire finances into public consultation, collecting and evaluating financial data from relevant authorities. Key outputs included the publication of a policy brief on the management of fire prevention and suppression funds, a fundraising guide for volunteer firefighter organizations, and the organization of nine capacity-building workshops with local authorities and volunteer groups across various regions. Additionally, five press releases and seven opinion articles were published to raise public awareness and encourage dialogue on the transparency and effectiveness of fire protection funds.
The project successfully increased transparency in how public funds for forest fire prevention and suppression are managed. It engaged key stakeholders, including local authorities and volunteer groups, through nine capacity-building workshops, improving their understanding of fund allocation and consultation processes. The public was informed through multiple press releases and articles, promoting dialogue on the need for reforms in the national fire protection system. The project also provided volunteer firefighter organizations with a guide to fundraising, strengthening their capacity to contribute to fire prevention efforts.