“Insights from the Forest Fire Project’s Transnational Meeting in Espinho” is an article about the fourth Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), project final meeting of the Erasmus+funded project.

As the Forest Fire Project approached its pivotal conclusion, the final consortium meeting in the serene city of Espinho, Portugal, on September 27–28, 2023, marked a significant milestone. This exclusive gathering of the consortium members over two days was not just the end of a project but a testament to our shared dedication and commitment to combating forest fires in rural areas.

Day 1: Focused Discussions and Strategic Deliberations

The meeting began purposefully as consortium members arrived for intensive discussions. L4Y and SPEL set the agenda, focusing on reviewing our progress and planning future steps.

Coordination and Management: In the Coordination and Management session, L4Y and SPEL led a comprehensive review. We reflected on our journey and strategized final activities for the project’s success.

R2-Training Module Development: A key focus of the day was the development of training modules. After insightful pilot tests, the consortium delved into discussions about necessary updates to the training platform. This session, led by OvOvar Forma, highlighted our commitment to education. We focused on evolving our tools to better serve rural communities.

R3-Mid-Term Impact Study and Final Publication: The afternoon session, led by CIP, focused on the mid-term impact study of the Forest Fire Protection Training. This vital analysis of our work during a wildfire season led to discussions about finalizing our publication. Our aim is to broadly share our findings and insights.

Communication and Dissemination: The day’s final session, conducted by Growth Coop, focused on the crucial aspects of communication and dissemination. The discussion centered around current progress, final dissemination activities, and plans for upcoming multiplier events.

The day concluded with a group dinner, offering a relaxed atmosphere for informal discussions and strengthening our bonds.

Day 2: Concluding Remarks and Future Directions

The second day commenced with a reflective overview of the previous day’s discussions, setting a productive and forward-looking agenda.

Quality, Monitoring, and Evaluation: KMOP led the morning session, concentrating on the essential elements of quality, monitoring, and evaluation. This was a thorough examination of our ongoing efforts and the final steps in ensuring the project’s quality and effectiveness.

Exploitation Strategies: The session on exploitation strategies, led by CESIE, focused on our progress and future plans. We discussed how to maximize the project’s impact after its completion.

Final Steps: The meeting wrapped up with L4Y and SPEL providing final comments and outlining the closing steps. This was a forward-thinking dialogue, focusing on the sustainability and long-term impact of our initiatives.

Project Final Meeting: Conclusion

As we close this chapter of the Forest Fire Protection Project, we carry valuable lessons and strong relationships. Our commitment to protect rural communities from forest fires continues unabated. We invite our readers to stay connected and look forward to sharing future developments and initiatives. Meanwhile, you can read this article in German. Finally, do not hesitate to contact us.