Tabletop Exercise "AFAIA 2026" Successfully Conducted in Aegina under the EU-Funded THEMIS Project
On Friday, 3 July 2026, the Municipality of Aegina successfully conducted the Tabletop Exercise (TTX) "AFAIA 2026", organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection as part of the European co-funded THEMIS project, supported by the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM Track 1).
The exercise constituted one of the flagship activities of the THEMIS project, which aims to strengthen the preparedness and resilience of the tourism sector against natural hazards through the development and implementation of modern crisis management tools, the training of relevant stakeholders, and the enhancement of interagency coordination during emergency situations.
The exercise scenario simulated a large-scale forest wildfire occurring in the area between the settlements of Kontos and Agia Marina under conditions of prolonged heatwave, extremely low humidity, and a Fire Danger Index of Level 4. The simulated incident unfolded during the peak tourist season, with hundreds of permanent residents, more than 1,000 holidaymakers, and a significant number of daily visitors present in the wider area, creating a highly demanding operational environment.
Throughout the exercise, participants evaluated the timely activation of the competent authorities, decision-making processes under pressure, operational coordination among responding agencies, public information procedures, and the implementation of organized preventive evacuation measures for populations threatened by the advancing wildfire.
Particular emphasis was placed on the pilot deployment and evaluation of innovative digital tools being developed under the THEMIS project, most notably a new QR Code-based emergency information system. The system will be installed in tourist accommodations and hotels across Aegina, enabling visitors to receive immediate, reliable guidance and critical safety information during emergency situations. The island's distinctive topography, combined with its high seasonal tourist activity, provided an ideal environment for testing the effectiveness of these innovative solutions.
Special attention was also given to strengthening the capacity of local authorities and improving interoperability among all participating agencies, ensuring effective coordination with the national Civil Protection authorities during real emergency incidents. The lessons identified through the exercise will serve as valuable input for the continuous improvement of operational emergency plans and will be directly utilized throughout the current tourist season.
The exercise brought together representatives from the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the Civil Protection Department of Piraeus and Islands of the Region of Attica, the Hellenic Security Forces, the Hellenic Armed Forces, Civil Protection services, the local Health Centre, volunteer organizations, members of the public, and experts from the University of Western Macedonia, reaffirming the importance of continuous cooperation among all stakeholders in strengthening preparedness and improving the response to natural disasters.
At the opening of the exercise, the Mayor of Aegina, Mr. Ioannis Zorbas, welcomed the participants and expressed his sincere appreciation to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the Department of Natural Disasters, the Department of National Planning, the Directorate of International Relations, and all cooperating organizations for their continuous support. He also made special reference to Mr. Andreas Antonakos, Mr. Evangelos Angelopoulos, Mr. Spyridon Nikolaou, Ms. Efstathia Athinaiou from the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, and Professor Ioannis Bakouros of the University of Western Macedonia and his research team for their significant contribution to the preparation and successful implementation of the exercise.
Upon completion of the exercise, Mayor Ioannis Zorbas stated:
"Protecting human life remains the highest priority of the Municipality of Aegina. Prevention, preparedness, and close cooperation among all competent authorities constitute the fundamental pillars of effective Civil Protection. The 'AFAIA 2026' exercise provided us with an invaluable opportunity to test our emergency plans, identify areas for further improvement, and further strengthen our operational readiness against the threat of wildfires. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated and contributed to the successful completion of this exercise."
The Municipality of Aegina remains firmly committed to investing in prevention, training, and cooperation with all competent authorities, continuously strengthening its operational preparedness to ensure the effective protection of residents, visitors, and the island's unique natural environment.
