Cross-border cooperation for climate resilience: a new chapter was marked between Greece and Italy after the kick-off meeting of the OfidiaPlus project, held in Lecce on November 17, 2025. It brought together institutional, scientific and operational representatives from both Countries.
OFIDIAPlus deploys advanced sensor networks, smart cameras, drones, predictive models and AI-based systems to support early fire detection and forecasting. An upgraded Decision Support System will help Civil Protection, Fire Corps and local authorities coordinate operations more effectively.
Alongside technological innovation, technical workshops, institutional collaboration and public awareness activities will promote shared wildfire management strategies.
The event stressed the need for innovation, cooperation and strong institutional support to address growing wildfire risks across the Mediterranean.
OFIDIAPlus coordinated by the CMCC Foundation, enhances wildfire prevention, monitoring and response in Puglia, Calabria, Basilicata and the Greek region of Epirus.
Voices from the project partners
“OFIDIAPlus addresses a critical need for prevention, cooperation, and innovation in wildfire management,” says Maria Mirto, CMCC researcher and scientific coordinator of the project. “It also aims to promote cultural change and enhance public awareness of the human factors driving wildfire risk.”
“This project is essential for building an integrated and sustainable approach to wildfire risk between Apulia, Basilicata, and Greece,” highlights Gianfranco Gadaleta, Coordinator of the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy Programme. “Through innovative technologies and coordinated action, prevention and management can be significantly improved.”
According to Natalino Manno, Prefect of Lecce, “wildfires represent a major environmental and social threat in the Mediterranean region and require strong institutional coordination. The scientific approach adopted by the OFIDIAPlus partnership will benefit from solid support from local authorities.”
