EUFOFINET European Forest Fire Networks General presentation North Aegean Region Regional Development Funds of Nort

1. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr EUFOFINET European Forest Fire Networks General presentation North Aegean Region Regional Development Funds of North Aegean Region Angelopoulou Silia (External Expertise) 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

2. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr General Information about North Aegean Region The region of the Northern Aegean consists of 3 provinces, Lesvos, Chios and Samos with 9 inhabited islands in total (Lesvos, Lemnos, Agios Efstratios, Chios, Inousses, Psara, Samos, Ikaria and Fournous). The total extent of the Region is about 3.836 sq.km. and total populationof 204.108 citizens(2001 census). Lesvos belongs to the islands of the Northern Aegean. The biggest inhabited islands of the Region are Lesvos, Chios, Lemnos, Samos and Ikaria. 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

3. The total extent of Lesvos is 2.154 km2, the total length of coasts is 696 km, and the total population is about 105.194 people. In Lesvos Island there are 2 main mountainous regions almost with an altidute of 1000, Olimpos and Lepetimnos respectively. The average rainfall is 750mm per year and the main characteristics of the weather are mild winter and hot summer. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

4. The island’s economies depend on the Rural Sector (23%), Industry (22%) and Services (58%). Although the main source of income comes from Services, around 55% of the population is rural. Use of Land : Agricultural Land : 30% Pastures 49% Forests 16,6% Forests are mainly located on the islands of Lesvos, Samos, Chios, and Ikaria. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

5. According to the national statistics (1983-1997) of the past in the islands of the Region, a moderate possibility stood for a forest fire to begin. Suggestively we have recorded a rate of Chios 19 forest fires / year Samos – Ikaria 14 forest fires/year Lesvos 13 forest fires / year Although, the above mentioned figures imply a moderate risk of forest fire eruption compared to other parts of the country, the islands of Samos and Ikaria especially, have been devastated by forest fires during the past 10 years. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

6. The average burned area/forest fire in the islands of the Region is 46,5 ha. This figure is by far the greatest compared with those of South Europe at the same period of time. The total burned forest area in the islands of the Region is estimated between 400 - 560ha/1000ha. To make things worse the fire in Samos during 2000 has burned about 15.000 ha having not only an enormous environmental impact, but also a great impact on the island’s tourism economy, and agriculture. The catastrophic results of the fires especially in Samos were attributed to the ineffectiveness (or simply absence) of efficient pre-emptive measures, as well as to the poor management of the crisis. Moreover, the fire on the island of Ikaria just two years earlier, has led to the death of 12 people who were trying to escape from an approaching forest fire. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

7. Some information about Regional Development Funds of North Aegean Region REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr The REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN REGION was founded in May 1998 by the decision of the General Secretary of the North Aegean Region and although it belongs to the region of the North Aegean it operates as a legal entity, producing each year profit and loss accounts and balance sheets. It is overseen by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Public Administration and Decentralisation, and is managed since 22/04/2004 by a Board of 7 Members under the presidency of the Governor of the North Aegean Region (currently Mr. Athanasios Giakalis). 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

8. The objectives of the Regional Development Funds of North Aegean Region have to do with: The implementation and management of European projects. The management of: funds from the Program of Public Investments funds from public sector institutions and other authorities funds from European programs and other international organizations, that concern regional, prefectoral, local and special developmental programs of regional area. It is the paying authority for the public works integrated within the budget of the Program of Public Investments for the North Aegean region. The supply of services The conduct of researches and economic surveys, organisational studies as well as the management and implementation of programs that assigned in the Regional Development Funds of North Aegean from Ministries, the Region of North Aegean, Local authorities and other public institutions. The contracting of loans with local and foreign financing institutions for the implementation of projects and other works. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

9. The Regional Development Funds due to its legal form (it belongs to the public sector but is operating like business firm) is the only authority within the services of North Aegean Region that can successfully implement a European project and make all the essential and legal procedures (hire new employees if it is necessary, make contracts-open calls for tender or restricted invitation, hire external experts or subcontractors) to guarantee the fulfillment of the physical aspect and correct eligibility of the financial aspects of the project. It has the expertise and the necessary background to administrate and manage funds as well as to coordinate the partners in such a way ensuring the successful outcome of each project that undertakes. The Regional Development Funds of North Aegean Region can assure the successful implementation of a European project abiding by the European and Greek rules. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

10. The Region of North Aegean (RNA), through Regional Development Funds, has taken part in many European projects in cooperation with other Greek and European regions in areas such as environment, innovation, employment, entrepreneurship, new technologies etc. This year RDFNA is already participating in six projects as a partner. Some indicative European Projects that Regional Development Funds of the North Aegean region has implemented, are: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

11. 1.ICHNOS PLUS Total budget 1.057.465,00 -RDFNA budget194.57007. Duration 2008To 06/2010. Focus on the transfer and deployment of the RCC model and its mainstreaming into the regional policies through the ERDF Operational Programmes. The RCC model has been conceived as a structure to co-ordinate OSS acting as single points of contact for enterprises. Main activities:• Studies and surveys. Extension to the new partner regions of an analysis carried out under ICHNOS, aimed to highlight and compare the main features that influence starting or running a business in the regions involved; a toolkit of the upgraded RCC and a feasibility study for a tailor-made transfer of the RCC model.• Regional meetings aimed at involving Managing Authorities and local stakeholders in the project activities by concertating the actions to be undertaken and collecting the feedbacks of the steps taken.• On-site visits and staff exchanges designed to build capacity, raise awareness and improve know-how in the participating regions. • Interregional seminars to make available all the information and material on the concerned practices; to raise awareness on the ICT solutions for easing start-ups, and a joint training session to deepen specific issues of partners’ interest.• Dissemination activities.Main outputs:1 Report of the context analysis carried out in the six partner Regions; 1 Toolkit of the upgraded model of Regional Centre of Competence 3 Interregional thematic and training seminars on the main issues of relevance for the project; 10 On site visits; 4 Staff exchanges; 7 Feasibility studies (1 per region) for a tailor-made transfer and implementation of the practices; 7 Action Plans (1 per region) describing how the RCC model and the other good practices will be implemented under the Regional OP; 1 Website; 24 Newsletters; 140 Articles; 7 Brochures; 3 International Conferences.Expected results:5 good practices transferred; 7 regional policies influenced in terms of simplification of administrative procedures for start-ups; 70 regional key actors mentored in the way the RCC model works; 54 staff practitioners increased competences about the services delivered by the OSS and RCC; 300 stakeholders’ raised awareness. Partners:Ancitel SardegnaCesgaVysocina RegionNorth Aegean RegionTartu Science ParkRuda Slaska Incubator REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

12. 2.BIOBUS Total budget 3.225.000 €, RDFNA budget147.000 € Duration 01-01-2006to31-12-2007 Aim: to strengthen the awareness of the regional community on the use of biodiversity and innovation and of the benefits developing North Aegean to a competent, dynamic knowledge based region.To support further the change in the culture, the attitude and the mentality of the local community towards a society more accessible to innovation and new technologies.To inform the regional community on the implementation of the pilot actions of this program, their outcomes, benefits and added value to the sustainable development and the adjustment to the new knowledge based economy. Partners: North Aegean RegionLesvos Chamber of CommerceSamos Chamber of CommerceChios Chamber of CommerceUniversity of Aegean:Department of Environmental Studies (Lesvos)University of Aegean:Department of Financial and Management Engineering (Chios)Synthesis LTDCooperative Bank of Lesvos – Lemnos 3.INCENDI Total Budget 6.971.580 €, RDFNA budget 360.000 € Duration: 1/1/2005to30/06/2008 Aim:Pilot Actions of preventing the danger of forest fires in the MediterraneanSensitization of the population in confronting forest fires and other natural disasters that can derive from forest fires.Formation of geographical databases and maps that will inform and impress the current situation.Diffusion of the information and creation of an operational action plan Partners: North Aegean RegionPACA S. FranceRegion of Algarve, PortugalRegion of Andalusia,SpainRegion of Languedoc Roussillon FranceRegion of Tuscany ItalyMorocco REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

13. 4.EX- INT Total Budget 1.215.000 €, RDFNA budget 187.000 € Duration:01/01/2005to31/12/2007 Aim:Collection – documentation of the experience which has been accumulated from all the INTERREG projects starting 1990 till today.Record of local partners who are involved in the area of cross border cooperationSet up thematic libraries and handbooks of best practices Parnters:Greek Ministry for Macedonia - Thrace Region of Eastern MacedoniaRegion of Central Macedonia Region of Western MacedoniaMinistry of Regional Development and Public Works of BulgariaNorth Aegean RegionPlanning Bureau of Republic of Cyprus 5.MOONRISES Total Budget 1.318.200 €, RDFNA budget 144.900 € Duration 1/6/2006to31/12/2007ARCHIMED –PROJECT Aim:Management, forestalling and attenuation of natural risks such us floods desertification, forest fires, earthquakes through acomplete monitoring system especially for the desertification assessmentPeloponnesus Partners:Region North Aegean RegionSouth Aegean RegionCentral Macedonian RegionAristotle University of ThessalonikiUniversity of Basilicata REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

14. 6.WETMUST Total Budget 1.376.155€,RDFNA budget130.541 € Duration 1/6/2006 to 31/12/2007 Aim:Concerns the complete and viable management and protection of the cultural, natural sources and landscapes and risk management as well PartnersRegion of Central MacedoniaRegion of Western GreeceNorth Aegean RegionAristotle University of ThessalonikiUniversity of BasilicataPrefecture of Thessaloniki 7.CORI Total budget 870.000 €, RDFNA 60.000 € Duration 1/6/2006 to 31/12/2007 Aim:Identification and mapping of tsunami and other extreme sea level hazards for Eastern Mediterranean coasts. Actions for public education and awareness for responsive actions.Development of tools and methodologies for managing and minimizing the impact of coastal pollution events (due to oil spills and other sources).Development and application of a pilot plan for coastal prevention and response to accidental marine pollution events. Partners: University of AegeanHellenic Centre of marine researchAristotle University of ThessalonikiInstitute of OceanographyUniversity of CyprusNorth Aegean RegionNational inter-university consortium for marine sciences-lru Napoli Parthenope (Campania, Italy) 8.MEDRISK Total budget 1.553.425 €, RDFNA 155.342 € Duration 1/6/2006 to31/12/2007 Aim:Manual for the ideal management structure and infrastructure for a natural risk operational control centerA GIS database (based on common platform for all areas)Plans for the readiness and practice of institutions and authorities at every level of administrationMaps, booklets, DVDs for increasing public awareness Partners:North Aegean RegionUnion of Cyprus CommunitiesRegion of CreteNational Technical University of AthensCampania Region (Italy)City of science limited consortium company-non profit organization (Campania, Italy)Calabria Region ( Italy) Sicilia Region ( Italy) REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

15. 9.PACINTERREG Total budget: 600.700 €,RDFA budget:108.400 € Duration: 01-04-2004to31-12-2006 Aim:Creation of a Data Base that will consists all INTERREG IIΙC programs.Creation of a manual with the structural differences on Region level.Communication Plan for the diffusion of the program’s actions Partners:PACA S. FranceRegion Andalusia S. SpainRegion of Tuscany ItalyNorth Aegean RegionRegion of Tanger – Tetouan Morocco 10.ORPHEAS Total budget: 2.012.006 €, RDFA budget:928.210 € Duration:15-11-2002to15.02.2005 Aim:Local policy of the employment concerning viability,Master Plan for supporting Employment in North Aegean Region, Development of a Mechanism for recording the needs and capabilities of enterprising action and the utilisation of local resources , Creation of an Employment Forum, Study for best practices Partners:North Aegean RegionLesvos Chamber of Commerce Samos Chamber of Commerce University of AegeanEuroconsultants LTD REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

16. 11.EQUAL Total budget 1.761.000 €,RDFNA budget:117.000 € Duration 2/2004to6/2005 Aim:Equal working opportunities between men and women in the Aegean Region,Sensitization and publicity activities,Vocational Partners:Training Centre Epikentron,Vocational Training Centre Techniki Ekpaideutiki, Vocational Training Centre Mentor ,South Aegean Region,North Aegean Region, Prefecture of Cyclades,KESSYYE NELE of Dodecanese,Prefectural Development Company of Samos,Development Company of Lesvos,DAECH,AMKE of Municipality of Rhodes,Chamber of Samos,Development Company of Ikaria,Development Company of Cyclades,Chamber of Cyclades,Diodos,Womanly culture center of Polychnitos,Employment Center of Samos, ΚEKANA of Lesvos REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

17. 12.NAIAS Total budget 3.205.500 €, RDFA budget:147.000 € Duration: 01-04-2002to14-11-2004 Aim: Innovative Supportive Actions for North Aegean Region, Innovation Management Techniques (Imt), E-commerce Portal, local responsibility eco- label, Innovative Olive Mill Waste Management Systems Partners: Region of North Aegean, Lesvos Chamber of Commerce Lesvos ·Chios Chamber of Commerce Samos Chamber of Commerce , University of Aegean, Cooperative Bank of Lesvos - Lemnos , Synthesis Consulting 13.DIASNET Total budget 2.286.000 €, RDFA budget: 271.540 € Duration: 05-03-2002to05-06-2004 Aim: e-Learning platformBenchmarking of the Information Society in Islands and isolated regions of Europe, Technological network,Telework network and SMEs Partners: Vice-consejería de Desarrollo Industrial e Innovación TecnológicaSecretaria Regional de EducaçãoNorth Aegean RegionFECAIHIIUMAASouth Aegean RegionINSULANICCIEUUniversity of the AegeanEnaip Sardegna – ELANETISLENETCOHCIT REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

18. Regional Development Funds of North Aegean Region and the INCENDI project. The participation of RDFNA in the INCENDI project operated in two directions: SENSIBILISATION & CARTOGRAPHY ACTIVITIES REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

19. In the framework of the INCENDI project, RDFNA implemented a variety of deliverables that proved really fruitful. Indicatively, follow some of them: Creation of a communication tool: a poster Organization of a poster and video contest for students Intervention of professionals in the schools Study visits to schools Field visits for students to burned areas Design of ecosystems maps for students Seminars to teachers Creation of geoportal with interactive forest fires maps on line Interactive maps about previous forest fires REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

20. More specifically : 1. Creation of a Poster with a fire conservancy message Think about Life – Save the Forest Distribution of the poster to: all Civil Services Schools and non Profit Environmental Agencies of the North Aegean Region 2.Poster & Video Contest On the 21st of April 2008: the Region of North Aegean together with the Regional Education Directorate of North Aegean and Primary and Secondary Education Directorates of North Aegean organised Poster - Video Contest between the Schools of the North Aegean Region Entries - Posters 21 Primary Schools 482 Secondary Schools The poster was prepared and was situated to signs on every forest road of the Region Entries – DVD (video) 78 Secondary Schools The first prize for the best Video Concerning the Forest Protection won the Secondary School of Petra Several meetings took place either to schools or to the field and the Students showed great interest in learning about Forestry Science and Forest Preservation . REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

21. 4. Visits to Schools Message of Forestry Service across the students was about: importance of preserving the Forests, their meaning of existence ways of sustainable forest exploitation Through visits to the field the students learned both: fire forest prevention sustainable management involving human activities Involvement of professors from the University of Aegean in the informative campaign Demonstrating tools and methods of forest fires prevention In the aim of Forest Preservation 5. Visits to recently destroyed – burned forest areas In July 2006 Fire of about 5.000 – 6.000 acres of pine forest (60%) and Olive trees (40%)- One of greatest environmental disaster of Lesvos Island in the last 50 years. Field visits of students to the burned areas with the Forestry Service: Identification of some species that survived Proceed to reforestation REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

22. 6. Ecosystem maps of the Regionas pedagogical documents With the contribution of the University of Aegean the Region of North Aegean: Publication of ecosystems maps concerning forest fires for the 4 islands with biggest danger (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria) Distribution of 4000 maps to all the classes of schools of the Region. 7. Feed-back of the experiences and tools created to teachers Seminar to the teachers of Environmental Science (6th November 2007, Lesvos Chamber of Commerce) Information about: Thematic Cartography Forest Fires By the Department of Geography of the University of the Aegean and the Forestry Services 8. Communication through Internet and creation of a Geoportal of Natural Disastershttp://incendi.geo.aegean.gr A portal accessible by all the citizens where could be found: Thematic Maps Interactive Maps Educational Material 9. Interactive maps about previous forest fires Interactive maps contain data such as Rank-size forest fires Road Network Monuments and remarkable land points REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

23. The INCENDI Project has enabled the Region of North Aegean to understand and benefit from the other partners’ experience, in order to develop a coherent and integrated strategy tackling the problem of forest fires, and its multiple environmental, social, and economic impact. It is very important for RDFNA that it is participating in the EUFOFINET project and could extend the experience obtained from the INCENDI project. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)

24. Thank you very much for your attention. Hope to have a great cooperation! Angelopoulou Silia Regional Development Funds of North Aegean Region Arg.Eftalioti 3 81100 Mitilene Lesvos Island Tel. +30 22510 37737 Fax. +30 22510 27589 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS OF NORTH AEGEAN : 3 Arg. Eftalioti Rd. – Mytilene, Postcode 81100 : +30-22510-47370 / 37737 : +30-22510-27589 : ptaba@otenet.gr 1 September 2011 EUFOFINET Greek partners meeting, Athens (Greece)