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Description
The project aims at improving the response capacity in emergency situations by creating/upgrading a new training facility for search and rescue and UXO[1] removals, and by training of personnel.
The project shall support awareness raising campaigns to improve the public response to natural disasters. International professional exchanges, including study visits to Norway and, where necessary, other EU Member States, shall also be supported.
[1] Unexploded ordnances.
Summary of project results
The project strengthened Romania''s resilience to disasters and emergencies, both natural and man-made. This included enhancing emergency management capacity, improving personnel training and modernizing infrastructure.
This project enhanced preparedness for environmental risks and emergencies through training and equipment provision, contributing to improved community resilience and laying the groundwork for social and economic development. Key activities and outputs include:
Construction of a Dedicated Training facility (A2): Construction of Romania''s first dedicated search and rescue and UXO removal training complex at the National Centre for Advanced Training for Emergency Management (CNPPMSU), including a training ground and administrative building. This achieved Output 4.1 Number of training facilities built.
Train-the-Trainer Program (A3): Eight military personnel received train-the-trainer certification from Norwegian experts, fulfilling Output 4.2 Number of trainers trained in Norway. Practical training courses followed (A.5), training 311 personnel from GIES and GIRG in pyrotechnics and urban search and rescue, contributing to Output 4.3 Number of GIES officers trained in the new facility on search and rescue missions, number of GIES officers trained in the new facility on UXO removal missions, number of GIRG personnel trained on search & rescue and UXO removal. This training was based on curricula developed collaboratively by project partners (A.4).
Large-Scale Field Exercises (A5.10): Three large-scale field exercises, each with at least 50 participants, were conducted by GIRG, fulfilling Output 4.4 Number of comprehensive live exercises implemented.
Leadership and Strategic Skills Development (A5.12 & A5.13): Training for 40 middle-level command personnel from GIRG and regional workshops for 28 representatives from GIES and GIRG, contributing to Output 4.5 Number of professional trainings implemented, number of regional workshops delivered.
Specialized Training and Equipment Procurement (A5.15 & A6.2): Specialized training for 80 GIRG personnel and procurement of specialized intervention equipment, achieving Output 4.6 Endowment with specific rescue equipment, number of specialized trainings delivered.
Equipment Acquisitions for Enhanced Training and Operational Capacity (A6.1, A6.4, A6.5): Equipment was also acquired for the SSPPC (training equipment) and GIES (protective gear, virtual reality training systems, and operational vehicles), enhancing training quality and operational capacity. While not tied to specific numbered outputs, these acquisitions directly supported project goals.
Activity: Construction of a Dedicated Training facility for search and rescue and UXO removal missions (A2)
- Impact: Romania now has a state-of-the-art facility for training emergency response personnel, improving their preparedness for search and rescue and UXO removal missions. This leads to increased effectiveness in real-life emergency situations.
- Beneficiaries: Emergency response personnel (GIES, GIRG, and others), future trainees at CNPPMSU and the Romanian public who benefit from improved emergency response capabilities.
Activity: Train-the-Trainer Program (A3)
- Impact: Creates a sustainable training capacity within Romania by developing qualified instructors who can train other personnel.
- Beneficiaries: The eight newly trained trainers, future trainees, GIES, GIRG and the Romanian public.
Activity: Practical Training Courses (A5)
- Impact: Improved practical skills of GIES and GIRG personnel in pyrotechnics and urban search and rescue, directly enhancing their ability to respond effectively to emergencies. This activity was based on training curricula developed collaboratively (A.4).
- Beneficiaries: GIES and GIRG personnel and the Romanian public.
Activity: Large-Scale Field Exercises (A5.10)
- Impact: Enhanced coordination and response capabilities of emergency management structures through realistic simulations involving multiple agencies.
- Beneficiaries: GIRG personnel, other participating agencies and the Romanian public.
Activity: Leadership and Strategic Skills Development (A5.12 & A5.13)
- Impact: Improved leadership and strategic decision-making skills of command personnel, leading to more effective management of emergency situations.
- Beneficiaries: GIRG and GIES command personnel and the Romanian public.
Activity: Specialized Training and Equipment Procurement (A5.15 & A6.2)
- Impact: Enhanced operational capacity through specialized training and provision of necessary equipment for critical support functions during emergencies.
- Beneficiaries: GIRG personnel and the Romanian public.
Activity: Equipment Acquisitions for Enhanced Training and Operational Capacity (A6.1, A6.4, A6.5)
- Impact: Improved training quality at SSPPC and enhanced operational capacity of GIES and GIRG through the provision of specialized training equipment, protective gear, virtual reality training systems, and operational vehicles.
- Beneficiaries: SSPPC trainees, GIES and GIRG personnel and the Romanian public.
Summary of bilateral results
Bilateral activities between Romanian and Norwegian emergency response agencies proved crucial for enhancing institutional capacities and strengthening cooperation. Study visits to both countries facilitated the identification of best practices for search and rescue and unexploded ordnance disposal missions, informing the development of two training programs. Joint workshops finalized the training curricula for advanced courses in pyrotechnics and urban search and rescue. Physical meetings and video conferences ensured consistent communication and collaboration. A train-of-trainers activity, assisted by Norwegian instructors, enabled Romanian personnel to improve their skills and adopt international best practices. A study visit to Norway for Romanian Gendarmerie personnel focused on incident and crisis management, contributing to the development of improved tactics and strategies. A joint table-top exercise, involving Romanian and foreign personnel, including Norwegians, simulated realistic scenarios to test coordination and response capacities. An international workshop brought together specialists from both countries to discuss best practices in emergency management.