APOPO is delighted to share the news of the extension of our long-term collaboration with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) for landmine clearance in Cambodia. We signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on that will extend through to the end of 2024. The MoU reaffirms our commitment to working together with CMAC to make Cambodia safer by eradicating landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
This agreement is part of a 5-year project funded by the Belgian Directorate of Development Cooperation (DGD), aimed at surveying, clearing, and releasing 16 km² of landmine-contaminated land in the province of Preah Vihear. The project also includes linking these areas with further agricultural development initiatives, benefiting small-scale farmers and enhancing food-security in the region.
Landmine Clearance in Cambodia
APOPO’s collaboration with CMAC dates back to 2014 and has been instrumental in integrating animals into survey and clearance operations from 2016. By working alongside manual deminers and machines, our Mine Detection Rats (MDRs) and Technical Survey Dogs (TSDs) have significantly increased productivity and speeded up the return of land to affected communities.
Since 2018 our teams have been working in Preah Vihear province, not only returning safe land to the local communities and allowing for resettlement – but clearing land near the Preah Vihear Temple area which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. An area that is riddled with landmines, cluster munitions and other deadly legacies of past conflict.
A Tragic History
Cambodia has a tragic history deeply intertwined with landmines. The country endured years of conflict, including the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, followed by border skirmishes in the 1980s. These conflicts left behind a legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war that continue to pose a severe threat to the safety of its people, especially in rural areas.
APOPO-CMAC sign MoU for 2024
The new MoU, signed at CMAC headquarters in Phnom Penh, outlines our shared responsibilities and goals. Under this agreement, CMAC Director General Heng Ratana and Michael Raine, Program Manager of APOPO Cambodia, will continue to collaborate on the training, testing, and deployment of our MDR and TSD teams. As we embark on this renewed commitment, we are determined to overcome the landmine challenges in Cambodia.
Our combined expertise, innovative techniques, and dedication to the cause lay a solid foundation for further progress. We are proud of the strides we have made together, and we are optimistic about the impact APOPO and CMAC will continue to make in Cambodia, ensuring a safer and more secure future for its people.
APOPO is grateful for the continued partnership with CMAC and eagerly anticipates another year of exceptional performance. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the DGD and the Embassy of Belgium in Thailand/Cambodia for their unwavering support towards achieving a mine-free Cambodia. We are committed to working towards this shared goal, ensuring the safety and prosperity of the Cambodian people.
