NAMRO at the EPPR Emergency Management Conference

Bodø, Norway — The Arctic Emergency Management Conference, held from 18–20 March 2025 in Bodø, brought together over 200 participants from across the Arctic and beyond to tackle the growing challenges of emergency preparedness in the region. Among the many initiatives presented, the NAMRO project (North Atlantic Mass Rescue Operation Guidelines) stood out as a key example of international collaboration in search and rescue (SAR).

Hosted by the Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council in partnership with Nord University and the EPPR Working Group, the conference offered a comprehensive platform for sharing knowledge, building capacity, and strengthening cooperation across borders. The event featured more than 50 sessions covering topics such as wildland fires, marine environmental response, radiological preparedness, and SAR operations.

On Day 3 of the conference, Dr. Mikel Dominguez Cainzos from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Norway presented the NAMRO project, highlighting its goal to develop a harmonized handbook for mass rescue operations in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The handbook aims to support SAR authorities by identifying resource needs, improving coordination, and streamlining international assistance procedures. The presentation emphasized the importance of common terminology, shared understanding, and practical tools for cross-border emergency respons