Strengthening regional cooperation for integrated disaster management in the Danube Region

The project InDiMaND aims are to establish a transnational, integrated disaster management network that enhances regional coordination, improves interoperability, and fosters sustainable volunteer participation - particularly among youth - by promoting harmonized procedures, testing joint response models, and equipping both institutional actors and civil society with the capacity to effectively and collaboratively respond to emergencies, thereby creating a scalable and sustainable framework across the Danube Region.

Specific objectives and activities of the project InDiMaND:

• Specific Objective 1 – Collaborative development of disaster response models. The project begins with an in-depth study of existing good practices and stakeholder mapping (A.1.1), followed by the collaborative development of common disaster preparedness models through transnational workshops and scenario design (A.1.2). These models are then tested through pilot discussion-based exercises (DBX) in five countries (A.1.3), which inform the development and validation of common standard operating procedures (SOPs) (A.1.4). The final step includes an action plan to support the adoption of these SOPs by relevant disaster management authorities across the region (A.1.5).
• Specific Objective 2 – Raising public awareness, the project aims to engage civil society, especially volunteers and young people, broadly. It starts by engaging stakeholders and volunteers through surveys and national consultations in nine countries (A.2.1), laying the foundation for a youth-focused volunteer engagement strategy and a comprehensive handbook (A.2.2). These findings are then translated into action through a region-wide awareness-raising campaign combining digital content, print materials and outreach events tailored to the national context (A.2.3).
• Specific Objective 3 – Strengthening response capacity, the focus shifts to operational preparedness. The project starts by mapping existing national capacities and defining a common list of minimum response requirements (A.3.1). To address training needs, it ensures the development and adaptation of e-learning content, supported by an upgraded knowledge platform and alert application (A.3.2). This is followed by a comprehensive training programme including train-the-trainers, local exercises and small-scale field simulations (A.3.3), all designed to ensure that SOPs are effectively practiced. Finally, transnational co-creation discussions bring together stakeholders in high-level roundtables to shape shared visions for disaster management and policy recommendations (A.3.4).

InDiMaND project results: The InDiMaND project directly improves disaster preparedness and response capacity across the Danube Region. These results include the formal adoption of two jointly developed strategies: a transnationally validated set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that harmonise disaster response practices, and an Action Plan for Youth Engagement that supports sustainable volunteer participation. Thirty disaster management and humanitarian organisations will strengthen their institutional capacity through coordinated participation in transnational cooperation activities, including international roundtables, simulation exercises and targeted training. These activities ensure that actors across sectors are aligned, trained and equipped to implement the newly developed protocols in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, the project generates at least one solution, such as the Integrated Volunteer Recruitment and Training Model or the SOP Framework, that is adopted or built upon by organisations outside the project partnership, thus ensuring long-term scalability and a wider regional impact.

ASWM as a project InDiMaND partner: The ASWM will actively participate in the development and implementation of four pilot actions aimed at intervening in different types of disasters in different geographical settings; will contribute to the development of a common standard operating procedure for transnational disaster management in the programme area. In addition, the ASWM will contribute to the joint development of an action plan for the implementation of the SOP. The participation of the ASWM will ensure that the action plan reflects the collective contribution and expertise of all project partners, promoting cohesive and coordinated cross-border disaster management efforts.

As a lead partner at Activity 1.5, ASWM will lead the creation of a comprehensive framework outlining concrete steps and actions for the adoption of SOPs by stakeholders. This framework will be shared with all project partners, who will have the opportunity to supplement and adapt the information according to their needs. Subsequently, the partners will collect feedback, and the completed local plans will be analysed, specific measures and steps for implementation will be indicated. ASWM will then analyse and systematise the local plans, culminating in the development of a Danube Region-wide Action Plan aimed at facilitating the widespread adoption of Standard Operating Procedures to bolster support for disaster management organisations. Concurrently, project partners will identify disaster management entities, with ASWM consolidating the information into a comprehensive list for the target area.

Project partners: Lead partner – Budapest Firefighter Association (Budapesti Tűzoltó Szövetség – BTSZ); Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta – PP2; National Association of Volunteers in the Republic of Bulgaria – PP3; Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" – PP4; Association of South-Western Municipalities – PP5; Multisalva Association – PP6; Civil Protection Administration of the Republic of Srpska – PP7; Public institution Firefighting Center for Education and Technological Development Split – PP8; Association “Samaritan Slovakia – “PP9; Faculty of Technical Sciences University of Novi Sad – PP10; Firefighting Association of Slovenia – PP11; Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association – PP12; Ministry of Interior, Montenegro, Department of Direction for Operational Affairs – PP13.

Donor: Interreg Danube Region Programme 2021-2027

Priority 2: A greener, low-carbon Danube Region

Specific objective: 2.2 – Enhancing Disaster Risk Management and Resilience 

Promoting climate change adaptation capacities in the Danube Region and disaster management on a transnational level about environmental risks, taking into account ecosystem-based approaches

Budget: 1 965 425,00 EUR

Project Duration: 01-04-2025 – 31-03-2028

Website: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/indimand    

ASWM as a partner is proud to announce the success of the project

Project partner ENVICORP was the host of the meeting in Banska Bistrica