Pioneering Partnerships in Crisis Management and Aviation Meteorology
Date: (10-01-2025)
On January 10, 2025, an important preliminary meeting convened between the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) and representatives from the Aeronautical Meteorological Service Department of the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (BULATSA). This gathering marked a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between two key entities focused on enhancing national and regional capabilities in crisis management.
During the meeting, the CMDR COE articulated a keen interest in exploring BULATSA's advanced numerical models and data analytics capabilities. The representatives from CMDR COE emphasized the importance of BULATSA's meteorological expertise, particularly with respect to the sophisticated models that have been specifically developed to facilitate precise flight operations. These models play a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficiency in aviation, as they provide vital information that aids in informed decision-making for air traffic management and operational planning.
In reciprocation, the BULATSA team expressed eagerness to learn more about the various projects and products developed by CMDR COE. They were particularly interested in the initiatives aimed at enhancing operational forecasting capabilities. This includes innovative scenario simulations that can help anticipate various emergency situations, thorough training programs designed to equip professionals with essential skills, and the potential for exchanging expertise in order to achieve overarching goals.
Both organizations recognized the potential for collaboration in several areas of mutual interest, which could lead to significant advancements in their respective fields. This dialogue highlighted the possibility of formalizing their partnership through a cooperation agreement, which would serve as a framework for future collaborative efforts. Such an initiative aims not only to enhance the technical and operational capacities of both organizations but also to address broader challenges associated with climate change, unpredictable weather phenomena, and the impact of space weather on aviation and crisis management.
To further this collaboration, it was proposed that a follow-up meeting be organized at the Aeronautical Meteorological Service Department of BULATSA. This subsequent meeting will provide a platform for the experts from CMDR COE to receive a comprehensive introduction to BULATSA's operations and capabilities. Furthermore, it will serve to clarify the parameters and scope of the anticipated cooperation, ensuring that both parties are aligned in their objectives and expectations moving forward.
Overall, this initial meeting laid the groundwork for what promises to be a fruitful partnership, with the potential to significantly enhance methodologies and strategies for managing crises and improving aviation safety in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
News
A welcoming speech of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Matthias Hoepfner has opened the Civil-Military Interaction: Disaster Preparation and Response Workshop, which is taking place in Sofia, 11-13 February 2014. The event is under the patronage of George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies and co-hosted with the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE). The workshop is attended by representatives from civilian and military structures from 11 countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece , FYROM, Kosovo, Romania , Croatia, Montenegro and USA. In addition on the American side taking part are delegations from the National Guard of the states of Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and Tennessee as part of the State Partnership Program.
» read moreThe Final Planning Conference of the exercise Saber Guardian 14 was held in Sofia last week (3-7 Feb 2014). The CMDR COE experts headed by LtC Orlin Nikolov, head of Capabilities Branch, participated in the workshops of the Contingency Management Planning/Unified Action (CPM/UA) syndicate.
On February 5, 2015, the CPM/UA members met with representatives of several GOs and NGOs. The meeting was arranged by the CMDR COE and co-hosted with the J9 USEUCOM as there were entities as Bulgarian Ministry of Interior, Chief Directorate Fire Safety and Civil Protection, State Agency of National Security, State Agency for Refugees, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Military Medical Academy, Red Cross, Caritas Bulgaria, Gender Research Foundation, Tennessee National Guard, Bulgarian Modeling and Simulation Association (BULSIM). The purpose of the meeting was to present them the scenario and storyline of their engagement into the exercise.
» read moreThe initial planning conference for the distributed computer assisted exercise South Eastern Europe Simulation Network (SEESIM 14) was held in Zagreb, Croatia. The Republic of Bulgaria is co-organizer and participates actively in the conducting of the exercise together with the Host Nation. Among the participants are also representatives of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Romania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, United States of America and the SEEBRIG.
The exercise is held under the auspices of the Ministers of Defence of the SEE Nations.
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- In 3-7 of February experts from the CMDR COE team will take part in the Final Planning Conference of the SABER GUARDIAN ′14 Exercise, organized by the US EUCOM and BGR LANDFORCE.
The purpose of the exercise is to train and educate civilian and military participants in planning and conducting an UN mandated Chapter VII Peace Operation/Crisis Response Operation, based on a Comprehensive Approach, and focusing on co-operation and co-ordination within an unstable environment, involving all stakeholders. The principal exercise focus is the civilian-military cooperation and coordination. The scenario supports exercising a wide range of peace operations functions (e.g. rule of law, humanitarian, etc.). The CMDR COE will contribute to achieving the exercise objectives by providing subject matter expert support in the CMDR area and by organizing distributed point for White cell.
- In 11-13 February 2014 the Civil-Military Interaction: Disaster Preparedness and Response Workshop will take place in Sofia. The workshop is sponsored by the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria and the CMDR COE. The workshop comprises lectures dedicated to NATO and EU Crisis Management, role of military in civil security, risk management, as well as discussions and tabletop exercise.
The CMDR COE organised an internal seminar which was held on 20.12.2013. The main focus of the seminar was the crisis in Syria. The CMDR COE experts discussed issued related to the chronology of the crisis; the increased influx of refugees to neighbouring countries and Bulgaria; the positions of NATO, the UN and EU; the involvement of international humanitarian organisations etc.
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