In a study undertaken in 2004, it was found that, over 15 different programmes that had physically cleared more than 292 km2 of ground, less than 2.5% of the land that was cleared was actually contaminated with mines or UXO.
This figure appears to be indicative of a cultural caution that has developed over a number of years - understandably – where operators would rather clear ground where, in all likelihood there are no mines, instead of undertaking a thorough analysis and focusing their resources in areas where they would be better utilised.
The GICHD is taking a broad role in the development of thinking in terms of releasing land and ensuring expensive clearance resources are deployed to those areas where there is the highest likelihood of finding mines and UXO. This work will involve both research and outreach to assist states and programmes in need of guidance.
As part of this project, a process of developing a Model for Risk Management in Lao PDR was undertaken. Over a period of 6 months, models for strategic and operational guidance were developed. The final version of the operational model was delivered to the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) in Lao PDR in October 2008.
Lao PDR Risk Management and Mitigation Model (February 2007) PDF 473KB
The GICHD has recently re-published a study looking at more effective ways to release land that uses six countries as case studies of effective methodologies. From this, general principles and recommendations are given for mine affected states and programmes. The report is available from the GICHD Publications page (see below).
A study into the technical elements of the land release process is on-going and will be published in 2009.
Also currently in progress is the development of a series of IMAS developing a framework for the guidance and support of national authorities and operators in areas of land release. These documents will be available for public review in Spring 2009.
GICHD Publications and Articles concerning Land Release
Contact
Guy Rhodes, g.rhodes(at)gichd.org (working languages: English)
