Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and Greece in general, have been experiencing a mosaic of natural and technological challenges in recent years — from fires and floods to technological accidents and energy activities such as CO₂ storage, natural gas pipelines, etc.

It is in this context that the Risk, Crisis, and Security Ecosystem of the Democritus University of Thrace was created. Through flagship European projects, postgraduate studies, and collaborations with distinguished universities and institutions in Europe and the US, the Ecosystem-Laboratory is now a point of reference in matters of Civil Protection and Risk Management.

An example of this is the QSSHE Master’s Program – ” “ Quality, Safety, Security, Health and Environmental Management.” (https://hssqe.chem.duth.gr/) and the four flagship European projects — IT4EST, SETOFF, GROWTH, and ENSURE, where the Democritus University of Thrace has already contributed significantly to the development and implementation of innovative technologies, educational methods, and cross-sectoral alliances in the field of Civil Protection, Risk Management, and Occupational Safety.

IT4EST (I3 Programme, https://it4est.flywheelsites.com/  )

It is the first comprehensive European platform for technological innovation for the sustainable protection of forest ecosystems, covering the entire cycle of Prevention – Intervention – Restoration. The IT4EST project is the first transregional pan-European initiative connecting universities, regions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and forest authorities, developing and implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), remote sensing, Internet of Things (IoT), LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and smart extinguishing materials (e.g. Bonpet).

The project creates a network of 11 Sustainable Forest Experimental Areas, where real tests and applications are carried out on fires, health attacks, reforestation, and post-disaster monitoring of forests. It introduces the concept of the Digital Forest Twin (Forest Digital Twin), which allows virtual simulation of forest conditions, risk identification, tree health assessment, and the design of strategies for sustainable management.

In real forest areas in Greece, Romania, Portugal, and Spain, technologies such as fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning algorithms, which detect unhealthy trees, insect infestations, increases in combustible material, and high-risk fire hotspots in a timely manner. At the same time, post-event restoration tools map burned or contaminated areas, supporting restoration, reforestation, and biodiversity plans using models such as ResNet50, Random Forest, and Sentinel-2 data.

IT4EST is not just a project—it is a catalyst for cooperation and knowledge transfer between the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, universities, businesses, and forestry services, creating a new European standard for digital and sustainable forest protection.

SETOFF (Erasmus+ KA220-VET, https://setoff-project.eu/ )

SETOFF is developing a smart, multilingual, and free training system for employees in public bodies, civil protection, the media, and volunteers, with the aim of preventing crises and strengthening a culture of preparedness. It provides interactive simulations, near-miss scenarios, learning games, training of trainers (ToT), e-learning modules, digital risk-awareness kits, as well as ECVET certification, available in 5 languages. It cultivates skills in natural, technological, and man-made disasters, focusing on the needs of the labor market and civil protection.

GROWTH (Erasmus+, https://growtherasmus.eu/ )

The GROWTH project trains specialized professionals in industrial accident risk, CBRN, NaTech, and Seveso, with a focus on the Western Balkans and Greece. It provides training for trainers (ToT), specialized modules on risk communication, psychological crisis management, multi-agency coordination, and develops national and local resilience structures through cooperation with Civil Protection, Fire Services, the media, and universities. It enhances operational readiness, professional safety, and the ability to predict and manage complex events.

ENSURE (Erasmus+, https://ensure-project.eu/ )

ENSURE aims to systematically upgrade the skills of firefighters and first responders by introducing four new occupational sub-profiles to ESCO, including Resilience Officer and Community Engagement Specialist. It uses open courses, virtual and coaching sessions, mobility, workshops, and ToT, with an emphasis on HAZMAT/CBRN, industrial accident response, and mental resilience of rescuers. It develops a holistic system of professional resilience, with European recognition and measurable learning outcomes.

Internationalization with the University of York, Canada

Based on the knowledge and security ecosystem that was created, funding was approved for the design of a new postgraduate program entitled “Resilience, Risk, Crisis, Emergency and Security Management” was approved, in collaboration with the University of York, Canada, strengthening the international role of the Democritus University of Thrace in educational and research excellence.

Overall, these projects create a European Laboratory of Excellence in Kavala, capable of promoting preparedness, prevention, and technological innovation in risks, crises, and security.

It is our decision to contribute to the public dialogue on relevant issues so that, with sobriety and scientific documentation, but also with the educational programs we have developed, we can propose solutions that are acceptable to society and the environment in which we live.

Today, we are presenting our ecosystem more broadly, in the hope of being useful to our fellow citizens. Security does not wait for a crisis; it prevents it.

The Director of Research

Michalis Halaris

Associate Professor

Lieutenant General (ret.)

Director of the Postgraduate Program