Future of EUROWA and the EUROWA newsletter

Now that the EU-funded project is closing, what happens with EUROWA, the EUROWA Module, and this newsletter? Although the EU-funded project is closing, it does not mean that the cooperation of those involved in the project will sunset.

In 2015-2016, EU funding allowed the project partners and subcontractors to develop and deliver a set of very important building blocks that will serve European authorities, NGOs, and potential oil spillers in dealing professionally with the challenges connected to the oiling of wildlife.

The end of this EU project means the beginning of a period in which the EUROWA Module can become an integrated part of the European Civil Protection Mechanism and in which an increasing number of individuals based in European countries can be trained towards the qualifications the project has defined. In their own countries, these individuals can act as first responders. Outside of their country, they can assist their wildlife responder colleagues, as needed and requested, through their authorities.

With everyone performing to the same international standards and procedures, European countries will be increasingly effective in dealing professionally with oiled wildlife incidents of larger complexity. This is and has been, the philosophy and mission of the organisations and individuals involved in the project, and together they are continuing their work. A EUROWA network of organisations will be created via the MoU system that has been developed as part of the project, and via this network, individual responders can obtain EUROWA qualifications.

This Newsletter will continue as the source of communication regarding the EUROWA network, its activities, and the increasing number of individuals who can be considered for mobilisation as part of a EUROWA Module call out.

As this is the final issue of the Newsletter under the present EU funding, the Project Team and subcontractors wish to thank the European Commission for their financial and management support. A big thank you is also due to the various authority representatives in the different European countries who have assisted the project, and the secretariats of the Regional Agreements and chairs of the technical working groups who have been so supportive of this project and provided so much assistance to its success.