Recently, APOPO’s Angola program hosted a visit from the National Agency for Mine Action (ANAM). This visit was an important step in our collaborative efforts to make Angola a landmine-free country. The time spent together allowed both organizations to share knowledge, evaluate progress, and strengthen our partnership.
APOPO’s Angola Program
APOPO has been actively working in Angola since 2012, focusing on demining landmine-affected areas. Angola, having suffered from decades of conflict, is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. The legacy of these landmines continues to pose a significant threat to the safety and development of communities across the country.
To address this challenge, APOPO employs a unique and innovative approach using trained detection rats, known as HeroRATs, alongside manual deminers. The combination of these methods ensures efficient and effective demining. HeroRATs are trained to detect the scent of explosives, enabling them to find landmines quickly and accurately. This approach not only saves lives but also helps restore land for productive use, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
APOPO’s operations in Angola have been concentrated in several key areas, including the northwestern provinces of Malanje, Zaire, and Uíge, which border the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the western province of Cuanza Sul. By the end of 2023 APOPO had cleared 8,198,287 square meters of land across Angola.
A Week of Collaboration and Progress
When the ANAM team arrived from Luanda, they were warmly welcomed by our dedicated staff. The team included key members such as David Daniel, Ubaldo Púcuta, and Lúcia Pinto, along with their driver, Ngnamo Bunga. Our Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) Officer, António das Neves Kuty, and a deminer, Francisco Cambimbe, ensured that the visitors felt at home and were well-acquainted with our operations.
During their stay, the ANAM team was given a comprehensive overview of our demining operations. This included detailed presentations on our methodologies and the impact of our work. The team was particularly interested in learning more about our HeroRATs and their training process. This exchange of knowledge was invaluable, as it allowed both organizations to discuss best practices and explore potential improvements in their respective operations.
Montanha Kipungo Task Evaluation
One of the first activities during the visit was the evaluation of the Montanha Kipungo demining task. This task was crucial in demonstrating the effectiveness of APOPO’s demining efforts. The presentation of completion certificates marked the successful clearance of a significant area of land and offers a more hopeful future for the local community.
The cleared land can now be used for agriculture, housing, and other productive activities. The ANAM team’s assessment of the work done in the area and their feedback were important for validating APOPO’s demining procedures and ensuring their continued excellence.
Monitoring in Monagueiras 1 and Montanha Cacula
The ANAM visit continued with monitoring activities in Monagueiras 1 and Montanha Cacula in Cuanza Sul province. These areas have been the focus of APOPO’s recent demining operations, and the ANAM team’s presence provided an opportunity for a detailed review of our progress.
During the monitoring sessions, the ANAM team observed our teams in action, witnessing firsthand the meticulous process of detecting and clearing landmines. Their feedback was incredibly valuable, offering insights into potential improvements and confirmed the efficacy of our current practices. This collaborative review process boosted the Angola team’s ongoing commitment to safety and precision as well as strengthening the partnership between APOPO and ANAM.
Visit to Operations Camp and MDR Field
The highlight of the visit was the trip to APOPO’s operations camp and the Mine Detection Rat (MDR) field. Here, the ANAM team had the opportunity to see our HeroRATs in action. These rats have been trained to detect the scent of explosives, and their work is a cornerstone of our demining efforts.
Witnessing the HeroRATs at work was a memorable experience for the ANAM team. They observed the rats’ impressive efficiency and accuracy in detecting landmines, which significantly accelerates the demining process. This demonstration reinforced the innovative nature of APOPO’s approach and showcased the potential for these methods to be adapted and implemented in other regions facing similar challenges.
ANAM Team Returns to Luanda
As the week drew to a close, the ANAM team departed with a wealth of insights into APOPO’s working processes and a renewed spirit of collaboration. The visit increased the understanding between our organizations and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation. The knowledge shared and the bonds strengthened during this visit will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of APOPO’s demining efforts in Angola.
