This August, APOPO joined the EU Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, alongside MAG (Mines Advisory Group) and other humanitarian mine action organizations. The Pavilion’s exhibition, themed “Heroes of Mine Action,” welcomed thousands of visitors each day and introduced the public to the work, technologies, and people involved in making land safe from landmines and explosive remnants of war. The highlight of APOPO’s involvement were the live mine detection dog demonstrations in the pavilion.
APOPO at the EU Pavilion: A United Front Against Landmines
From August 1–5, 2025, the EU Pavilion hosted a mine action showcase under the banner “Nurturing Tomorrow.” Supported by the EU Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), the program brought together APOPO, MAG, and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).
The exhibition featured live demonstrations, interactive activities, and opportunities to meet demining experts. Visitors learned how humanitarian mine action not only prevents accidents but also enables communities to safely use farmland, forests, and fishing areas again.
Representing APOPO were:
- Mikael Bold, APOPO Program Manager for Dogs
- Daryna Hromychenko, APOPO Ukraine Dog Handler
- Fara, APOPO’s demonstration dog for the Expo
- Raanan Genah, Fara’s owner
Together, they highlighted APOPO’s work with mine detection dogs, with a particular focus on ongoing and planned operations in Ukraine.
The Global Stage of the World Expo
The World Expo is one of the oldest recurring international events, with roots in The Great Exhibition in London in 1851. Since then, it has grown into a platform for sharing culture, innovation, and solutions to global challenges.
In 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the Expo adopted the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” focusing on Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. These themes aligned closely with the goals of humanitarian mine action, making it a fitting place for APOPO and its partners to present their work.
HeroDOG Demonstrations
A central feature of APOPO’s contribution was the daily demonstrations by Ukrainian dog handler Daryna Hromychenko and Fara. These sessions showed how mine detection dogs use their highly developed sense of smell to locate explosive devices safely and efficiently.
Daryna explained the training process and answered visitor questions, while Fara demonstrated how dogs indicate the presence of mines. The clear communication between handler and dog underscored the importance of trust and teamwork in the field.
Crowds Engaged by the Demonstrations
The demonstrations consistently attracted large audiences, with as many as 3,000 visitors per day attending the Pavilion. Families, students, and professionals gathered to watch Fara in action, many expressing curiosity about how the training works and how the dogs contribute to clearance operations.
Applause often followed the sessions, and visitors frequently stayed afterward to learn more. Many commented on how the dogs made the technical and often unseen work of mine clearance more accessible and understandable. The approachable nature of the demonstrations helped connect audiences to the broader mission of mine action in a direct and memorable way.
A Spotlight on Ukraine
The exhibit also emphasized the urgent situation in Ukraine, where large areas of farmland and infrastructure are contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance. APOPO’s participation highlighted its expanding dog programs there, while MAG presented clearance operations already underway.
On August 5, the EU Pavilion welcomed a Ukrainian delegation led by Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. Their visit underlined Ukraine’s commitment to cooperation and innovation in humanitarian mine action.
That same day, the Expo celebrated Ukraine’s National Day, with cultural performances, educational panels, and the illumination of the EU and Member State pavilions in Ukraine’s national colors. This provided additional visibility for the country’s resilience and the importance of international support.
Advancing Toward a Safer Future
APOPO’s participation in World Expo 2025 offered an opportunity to demonstrate how mine detection dogs, dedicated handlers, and international partnerships contribute to a safer and more secure future.
By engaging directly with thousands of visitors, APOPO helped increase awareness of mine action and the role of innovative solutions in reducing risks for communities worldwide. The presence of the HeroDOGs highlighted not only the effectiveness of canine detection but also the importance of continued global cooperation in the effort to achieve a mine-free world.