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Overview

In 2004, a study of over 15 different mine-clearance programmes was carried out. It found that of 292 km² of cleared land suspected of containing a mine/ERW hazard, that had been physically cleared, less than 2.5 per cent of the area proved to be actually contaminated with landmines or explosive remnants of war (ERW).

These statistics demonstrate inefficiencies in the targeting of clearance resources. Often, too much land remains subject to clearance when significant areas could (in many instances) be released through less expensive and more rapid survey techniques.

The focus of the land release process is on improving the balance of survey activities versus clearance activities. The challenge is to advance ‘decision-making’ processes, based on appropriate responses to the threat-level, while carrying out best practice, already undertaken by many operators, across the industry as a whole.

 
The transformation above illustrates the land release agenda - which
promotes an exhaustive use of survey, which is cheaper to conduct, above
more expensive clearance activities, where feasible.

The introduction of the three Land Release International Mine Action Standards (IMAS 08.20, 08.21 & 08.22) in July 2009 provided operators, national authorities and donors with an appropriate reference to encourage a review of this most critical, yet challenging area of mine action. 

The GICHD Land Release Unit is engaged with National Authorities, the UN, donors and operators to promote better survey and operational planning, in order to facilitate more efficient land release procedures. Such activities take the form of:

  • Provision of outreach activities for the development of land release concepts and systems
  • Promotion and training in IMAS 08.20, 08.21 and 08.22 and land release policy
  • Development of operational planning systems and documentation
  • Advice and outreach on use of assets (manual, machines, and animals) in both technical survey and clearance operations
  • Publishing of reference material on land release issues (eg technical & non-technical survey approaches)

The Land Release Unit works in conjunction with GICHD staff from the Operations Section involved in mechanical and mine detection dog support activities. There are also important links with the GICHD IMSMA team and the ISU.

GICHD Publications concerning land release


Land Release in Cambodia