Disaster Risk Management Initiative for Campsite Safety

forthcoming

The Camper Safe project addresses the urgent need to strengthen disaster risk management (DRM) in Türkiye’s growing camping and ecotourism sector, with a focus on the Thrace Region—an area rich in biodiversity but highly vulnerable to floods, wildfires, and other climate-driven hazards. Prompted by the deadly 2023 İğneada flood, the project targets critical gaps in campsite safety, including the absence of risk-based policies, preparedness tools, and public awareness. The project’s main goal is to develop a multi-risk DRM framework tailored for campsites. It will deliver key tools such as a GIS-based Camper Safe Awareness Platform, disaster-safe site selection criteria, a safety guideline, and QR-based disaster information boards for use at campsites. The initiative is built on three components: Scientific Risk Analysis – identifying hazards affecting campsites and reviewing EU/global best practices. Policy and Guideline Development – defining criteria for safe site selection and aligning findings with Türkiye’s DRM strategies. Capacity Building and Awareness – providing training sessions, public awareness tools, and study visits to EU best-practice sites. Stakeholders include AFAD (as lead and end-user), campsite operators, local authorities, and recreation groups. The project contributes to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism goals by improving preparedness, risk communication, and inter-agency coordination. As Türkiye’s first national initiative for campsite safety, Camper Safe will serve as a replicable model across Europe, promoting safer, more resilient outdoor recreation through science-based planning, training, and policy innovation.