13 April 2025, Geneva — APOPO proudly took part in the 28th Meeting of National Mine Action Programme Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN28), held from April 9–11, 2025, in Geneva — the most significant annual event in the global mine action calendar. The meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including national authorities, international donors, United Nations agencies, and leading humanitarian mine action organizations, to tackle the sector’s toughest challenges and develop coordinated solutions to protect mine-affected communities.
High-Level Representation and Strategic Engagement
Representing APOPO at the event were Michael Heiman, Head of Programs, Mine Action; Anna Bouchier and Ester Martinez, from the Partnerships Department; and Morgan Kline, Information Systems Manager. Over the three-day event, the APOPO team actively participated in technical sessions, conducted key bilateral meetings, and collaborated with other humanitarian mine action leaders including Mines Advisory Group (MAG), HALO Trust, Humanity & Inclusion (HI), Fondation Suisse de Déminage (FSD), and HAMAP-Humanitaire.
They also met with several key donor nations — including Switzerland, Germany, France, Japan, and Belgium — to explore future partnerships and share insights into APOPO’s unique approach. These discussions were critical for ensuring alignment with evolving donor priorities and for advocating for increased support for innovative, cost-effective mine action solutions.
Leading the Charge in Data-Driven Mine Action
One of the highlights of APOPO’s participation was its leadership in a side event titled “Common Operational Datasets and Streamlined Reporting for Mine Action.” The session, co-led by Morgan Kline, featured collaboration with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), FSD, MAG, and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Morgan shared insights into how APOPO uses the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) Core — a robust and increasingly standardized data platform — to enhance coordination, operational transparency, and strategic planning across multiple regions.
He emphasized the benefits of integrating mine action data with non-mine action sources — such as climate data, conflict dynamics, and agricultural cycles — to refine risk assessments and maximize impact.
“Accurate, accessible data is fundamental to everything we do,” Morgan explained. “From prioritizing clearance to demonstrating outcomes to donors, IMSMA Core is helping us move toward a more integrated, informed, and impactful future in mine action.”
Highlighting the Power of Animal Detection Technology
APOPO used the platform provided by NDM-UN28 to spotlight its innovative use of trained animals for explosive detection, particularly its Mine Detection Rats (MDR), also known as HeroRATs, and Technical Survey Dogs (TSD), or HeroDOGs. These highly skilled animals are able to rapidly and accurately locate landmines and unexploded ordnance, offering a scalable and cost-efficient alternative to conventional clearance methods.
This approach not only accelerates the process of land release but also enables safer conditions for local communities — allowing faster recovery and return to productive land use.
A Voice from the Field: Building Partnerships for Greater Impact
Reflecting on the significance of the event, APOPO Swiss Foundation Director Anna Bouchier noted, “NDM-UN28 was a vital opportunity for APOPO to demonstrate not just what we do, but how and why we do it. By engaging directly with partners and decision-makers, we can advocate for smarter, data-informed approaches and ensure that innovative tools like ours are part of the global mine action toolkit.”
Anna emphasized the importance of maintaining strong, strategic partnerships across the sector. “Collaboration is at the heart of humanitarian mine action. Events like this allow us to deepen relationships, share learning, and ensure that our collective efforts are aligned for maximum impact.”
Moving Forward with Purpose
As the global mine action community faces new challenges — from protracted conflicts to the increasing complexity of contaminated areas — APOPO continues to lead with innovation, technical rigor, and a steadfast commitment to affected communities. NDM-UN28 served not only as a platform for showcasing APOPO’s achievements but also as a catalyst for future collaboration, learning, and policy influence.
APOPO Mine Action Programs are most grateful to our partners and donors for making our work possible.
