Project INSECTS, 15.3.1.016, was presented

A Geographic Information System(GIS) will start functioning in the beginning of 2018. This is what Maria Tzankova, Executive Director of the Association said at a press conference in Ruse.

Permanent control over the identified excessive proliferation of insects through the Geographic Information System (GIS) will be carried out. Its functionalities will allow for integration on data exchange level between the Romanian and Bulgarian parts of the system. It will be possible to simultaneously transmit / service data to many web-based clients using only a standard browser. An interactive map will be maintained in a GIS-based web environment with the ability to support queries and generate reports directly through specially designed web interfaces. The information will be provided in Bulgarian, Romanian and English. The system will be open and accessible to interested parties.

This is only one of the activities under the project "Development and adoption of a joint institutionalized partnership on risk management on excessive proliferation of insects affecting public health and safety within the cross-border region Romania-Bulgaria".

The establishment of a joint management mechanism based on a common strategy is a new and sustainable model for the coordination of common activities, for joint decision-making and exchange of information. The interinstitutional partnership, the form of which is to be defined in the framework of the project, will seek the commitment of national, regional and local authorities responsible for the risk management in the field of public health. Proposals for updates and initiation of regulatory changes in Bulgaria and Romania are expected, that should lead to improvements in the work of the involved institutions for more effective control and management of the process.

The project will contribute to the establishment and implementation of a sustainable Bulgarian-Romanian risk management policy based on expertise and technological achievements with clear commitments of the competent institutions as well as the adoption of a mechanism for updating and improving joint activities.

The total cost of the project is EUR 1 347 194,38. It has a duration of 24 months and should be completed in the start of 2018. Project partners are the Association of Danube River Municipalities "Danube" (Bulgaria) and the "Living Nature" Foundation (Calarasi, Romania).