Study visit to Japan

State Authority for Geospatial Information (ASIG) represented by the Director of the Remote Sensing Data Processing Directorate Mr. Dritan Prifti, was part of the Albanian delegation led by the National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC), in a study visit to Tokyo, Japan, which was carried out within the project “Capacities Building for the National Information System for Forest Fires ( NFFIS), and Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction (NbS-DRR)” supported by JICA. Also part of this delegation were representatives from the National Forest Agency (AKP), Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO), and Tirana Water and Sewerage (UKT).

The purpose of this visit was to exchange experiences and best practices in forest management and the implementation of methods to reduce natural risks. During this visit, the Albanian representatives participated in intensive training with Japanese experts, who presented the most advanced strategies for the prevention and management of forest fires, in a country like Japan where 70% of the surface consists of forests. These trainings included techniques for using nature-based solutions, for reducing disaster risks, as well as for applying new technologies for the protection of natural resources.

The Albanian group visited institutions such as the Forestry Agency and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, where projects for forest protection and erosion control methods were presented, as well as the latest activities for the management and prevention of natural disasters were demonstrated.