Third Stakeholder Meeting Held in Kamenica
On 28 January 2026, the Qendra për Transferimin e Dijes dhe Inovacionit (QTDI) hosted the third stakeholder meeting of the Landscape Fire Management – Western Balkans (LFMWB) project. The meeting took place at the House of Culture in Kamenica and focused on strengthening local action, cooperation, and public awareness on landscape fire management.
Bringing Stakeholders Together
The event welcomed a wide range of participants. Representatives from the Municipality of Kamenica joined firefighters from Kamenica and Partesh, agriculture professionals, fishermen, hunters, and high school students. This mix created space for practical learning and open discussion. It also helped connect people working in the field with young people preparing to shape future solutions.
Key Messages on Community Awareness
The meeting opened with welcome remarks by Ms. Florentina Kryeziu, representing the Municipality of Kamenica. After that, Prof. Asst. Afete Shala Musliu, Working Package Coordinator, led a session on public awareness. She highlighted how community engagement supports the Landscape Fire Management Plan and Action in Kamenica and Partesh. Moreover, the discussion stressed that institutions and citizens must work together to reduce fire risk. During the meeting, Ms. Arlinda Gashi, Country Project Staff of LFWMWB, participated and recognized the attendees for their engagement, commitment, and valuable contribution to the project’s objectives.
From Systems to Field Response
Next, Ms. Gresa Neziri explained how management systems connect to field operations. She showed how information moves between municipal offices and on-the-ground response teams. As a result, participants discussed how better coordination can improve preparedness and decision-making.
Drone Demonstration and Technology in Practice
The meeting then moved to a practical, field-based session. Mr. Arian Mavriqi led a drone demonstration and guided participants through real-life piloting conditions. Participants also discussed how aerial monitoring can support faster and safer responses during fire incidents.
A firefighter from Kamenica shared a strong reflection from practice:
“Seeing how mapping tools and drones support our work in the field helps us respond faster and more accurately when it matters most.”
Agriculture and Fire Management Must Coordinate
Additionally, the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Shpend Morina, spoke about the link between agriculture and fire management. He emphasized the importance of coordination, especially in rural and open landscapes where fires can spread quickly.
Youth Engagement and Prevention in Buildings
Finally, Architecture High School students, guided by Ms. Mimoza Dermaku, presented their work on fire prevention in buildings. They showcased ideas for safer planning, improved access during emergencies, and prevention measures within structures. This segment highlighted how youth can contribute to awareness and prevention with practical ideas.
Next Steps in the LFMWB Project
The meeting closed with a discussion on upcoming activities and next steps. Participants reaffirmed the value of continued collaboration between institutions, professionals, and young people. Going forward, the LFMWB project will keep building local capacity and strengthening coordinated action on landscape fire management across the region.
* This initiative is implemented by the Centre for Knowledge Transfer and Innovation (QTDI) within the framework of the Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans, which is a project financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation – SDC and coordinated by Farmahem from Skopje, North Macedonia, with backstopping support from Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation from Switzerland.
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