NEWS: Zadar County: Pilot Area of AINATURE

The pilot area of Zadar County encompasses 28 municipalities and 6 cities, covering 3,650 km² with a population of 170,000. It is located along the stunning Croatian coastline, renowned for its rich history, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes. Croatia is home to 602 islands and islets, with over 150 located in Zadar County, each showcasing a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Notable islands include Dugi Otok, home to sandy beaches like Sakarun and Telašćica Nature Park. The Zrmanja Canyon and the surrounding Velebit mountain region add to the area’s charm, offering dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventure opportunities. Due to its geographical diversity, Zadar County experiences a range of climatic conditions, from the Mediterranean climate along the coast to a more continental climate in the inland areas. These varied conditions, combined with the region’s dense vegetation and dry summers, create an environment where the risk of wildfires is a constant concern. Protecting these natural landscapes is crucial, not only to preserve their beauty and biodiversity but also to maintain the delicate ecological balance that sustains local life.

Wildfires in the region are exacerbated by strong winds, high temperatures, and dry vegetation, particularly during the hot summer months. Winds rapidly spread flames, while dry plants fuel the fire’s spread. Arson further complicates the situation. These factors result in significant damage, including forest loss, infrastructure destruction, agricultural damage, and strain on emergency services. The impact on local communities and ecosystems is severe, necessitating both immediate firefighting efforts and long-term recovery plans.

The firefighting forces in Zadar County play a crucial role in the region’s protection and rescue system. This network includes various institutions and services collaborating on fire prevention, firefighting, and crisis assistance. The Zadar and Croatian Air Force fire departments, along with specialized units like Canadairs and Air Tractors, are crucial in combating wildfires, particularly during the intense summer months.

The Zadar County Firefighter Association consists of five public fire brigades and forty volunteer fire departments. These departments all together include 195 firefighters and more than 580 dedicated volunteers on constant alert throughout the fire season. In 2022, there were 2,189 fire-related interventions, burning a total of 7,500 hectares. In 2023, this number decreased to 806 interventions, but in 2024, the number of wildfires significantly increased.

Given this, AGRRA has selected a pilot case focused on the early detection of forest fires in Zadar County, in collaboration with the Zadar County Firefighter Association. This partnership will involve data collection, trial testing, setup, pilot implementation, and evaluation. Additionally, the project aims to develop a joint action plan for the ADRION area, proposing sustainable strategies to enhance fire prevention and response efforts.

A video with the area’s response in fires is available here.