In the context of Activity 6 of the CIPROGIS project a 1-day Workshop was organized and implemented for the demonstration of the Pilot Platforms to local & regional interested parties. During the Workshop, which took place in Thessaloniki in 27/11/2007, a presentation was made of the full potential of the pilot application, initiating public consultation for the recognition of synergies and possible cooperation initiatives that can be achieved among partners. Moreover, extended discussion took place among participants on civil protection issues and methodologies, in parallel with the promotion of conclusions and results of the project that can support better spatial planning and programming, taking into consideration the dangers each of the participating regions face.

As underlined by the representatives of thePrefecture of Thessaloniki, their participation in CIPROGIS was based on the need of the Authority to provide concrete tools and to develop efficient methodologies for dealing with natural and man-made disasters. It is noted that the wider Region of Central Macedonia, like the rest of the Greek Regions, has an intensive seismic activity according to several studies. The Prefecture of Thessaloniki, as part of the Region of Central Macedonia, has experienced numerous severe earthquakes during the previous years, as well as other severe disasters due to natural or man-made causes. Therefore, its participation in the project was considered significant not only with a view to acquire the necessary know-how for dealing with disasters, but also to diffuse properly such know-how and knowledge to the citizens, to help them protect themselves from the disastrous consequences of those phenomena.

On the other hand, the Municipality of Viterbo, as the other partner of CIPROGIS made a thorough presentation of its role and tasks in the context of CIPROGIS. During the Workshop it was mentioned that the wider area of Viterbo is frequently hit by various disasters, such as fires and earthquakes, therefore its participation was considered critical in terms of exchanging knowledge and developing common interventions for dealing with disasters. During discussion both partners agreed that the main benefits from their participation were:

• Comprehension of the needs and main characteristics of the area, which influence or are influenced by the disasters and identification of the local potential for developing concrete tools and systems,
  
• Definition of the risks faced by the area when disasters occur (natural and man made),
  
• Development of cooperative approaches and initiatives (national and transnational) to achieve maximum efficiency and preparation against disasters,
  
• Implementation of effective systems to inform citizens on the consequences of disasters and on the methodology to be used for dealing with them.

Finally, each partner made a detailed presentation of the Pilot Platform it established and analyze its function, content and benefits for the respective area. The most important conclusion was that research for synergies and cooperation frameworks will be continued in each area so as to develop and expand the Platforms, in order to provide more and better services to the local citizens as regards civil protection.

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