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% of that land 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 may be no mines, instead of undertaking a thorough analysis and focussing 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 allowing expensive clearance resources to be deployed to those areas where they are most likely to find 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 development of a Model for Risk Management in Lao PDR was undertaken. Over a period of 6 months, models for strategic and operational guidance were developed. Additional adjustment of the models is still being undertaken, but the final report is available from the GICHD Publications page (see below). 

The GICHD has just published a study looking at more effective ways to release land and 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). 

GICHD Publications and Article concerning Land Release

Contact

For assistance and support on land release matters, contact Tim Lardner at t.lardner(at)gichd.org.