SIMMER Project Officially Launched, Strengthening Mediterranean Cooperation on Wildfire Resilience
PRESS RELEASE
Nicosia, 9 December 2025 — The SIMMER project was formally launched today with its Kick-Off Meeting, marking the start of a significant transnational initiative under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme.
With a total budget of €2.7 million, 89% co-financed by the European Union, SIMMER aims to advance coordinated, science-based approaches to wildfire prevention and management across the Mediterranean.
SIMMER (Strategic Integration of Operational and Legal Frameworks for Enhanced Resilience and Management of Mediterranean Wildfires) seeks to align scientific knowledge, public policy, and operational practice in order to improve preparedness, response, and restoration capacities in the region.
During the Kick-Off Meeting, partners reviewed the project’s work plan, governance structure, and implementation timeline, establishing a solid foundation for effective collaboration.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
- Presentation of SIMMER’s strategic objectives and expected long-term regional impact.
- Agreement on a harmonized six-month reporting process in line with Interreg NEXT MED requirements.
- Coordination on financial management, certification procedures, and fund flow mechanisms.
- Formal establishment of the Project Steering Committee with designated responsibilities.
- Planning of initial activities, including stakeholder engagement and communication actions.
A Coordinated Mediterranean Partnership
The SIMMER consortium brings together institutions from six Mediterranean countries: Cyprus (EUC – Cerides), Greece (NOA – National Observatory of Athens), Lebanon (LRI – Lebanon Reforestation Initiative), Jordan (Wadi – Wadi for Sustainable Ecosystems Development), France (AIFM – International Association for Mediterranean Forests) and the State of Palestine (PPU – Palestine Polytechnic University).
Each partner contributes specialized expertise ranging from operational wildfire management to policy development, community engagement, training, and innovation.
Statement from Project Leadership
«SIMMER provides a timely and essential platform for strengthening resilience in the Mediterranean,» stated Professor George Boustras.
«The project’s launch marks a coordinated effort to advance sustainable, evidence-based solutions to the growing challenges posed by climate change».