Successful International Professional Training at the Forgách Castle in Mándok
We successfully implemented an international professional training program within the framework of the PROTECT – Pandemic Response and Operational Tactics for Enhanced Containment and Tracking (HUSKROUA/23/RI/2.1/011) project.
The event, organized by the Planetrise Association for Culture and Environmental Protection on May 13–14, 2026, was hosted at the Forgách Castle in Mándok, a venue that significantly contributed to the high standard of the program.
The aim of the two-day meeting was to strengthen epidemiological preparedness related to zoonotic diseases, enhance healthcare and laboratory capacities, and deepen cross-border cooperation. All planned program elements were successfully implemented. Participants engaged in active professional discussions and jointly defined the tasks and cooperation priorities for the next phase of the project.
The keynote professional presentations of the training were delivered by Dr. Tamás Péter, Chief Veterinarian of the Nyíregyháza Department of Food Chain Safety and Animal Health, and Dr. Sándor Vasas, Chief Veterinarian of the Kisvárda District. Dr. Péter Gergő Juhász, President of the Earthrise Association, spoke about the role of civil organizations in preventing the emergence of zoonotic diseases. The presentations contributed valuable professional experience and practical solutions to the achievement of the project's objectives.
All partner countries of the project were represented at the event: professional organizations and institutions from Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine worked together to further strengthen epidemiological cooperation. Participants in the international partnership reaffirmed their commitment to joint professional work and long-term cooperation.
The project is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine 2021–2027 Programme, in partnership with the Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association.
A multinational partner team from four countries ensures the success of the project:
Lead Partner: Zakarpattia Regional State Laboratory (Ukraine)
Partner No. 1: Non-Governmental Organization "European Initiatives Center (Ukraine)
Partner No. 2: Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association (Hungary)
Partner No. 3: Regional Innovation Agency (Slovakia)
Partner No. 5: Satu Mare Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate (Romania)
Partner No. 6: Satu Mare County Administrative Territorial Unit (Romania)
Further details regarding the project can be found on the partners' official social media platforms.
Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association