Emergency and Disaster Management Commons^™

Ocean Group: Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Landmine Clearance Division, Susanna Sprinkel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since 2000, the Ocean Group Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Landmine Clearance Division (EOD Division) has been forming an extensive underwater clearance program by combining vast experience from different fields of mine action and by developing advanced underwater demining technologies

Canadian Centre For Mine Action Technologies, Susanna Sprinkel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Funded by the Canadian Landmine Fund, the Canadian Centre for Mine Action Technologies (CCMAT) works with Canadian and other international organizations to enhance the mine action community. To date, they have tested and evaluated a number of now widely used pieces of mine action equipment as well as researched new techniques to further develop demining technologies.

Mine Detection Dogs: An Integral Tool In Ronco Mine Clearance Operations, Ronco Consulting Corporation

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mine detection dogs (MDDs) have become an important tool to mine action organizations in many programs across the globe. For about 15 years, RONCO has been one such organization. This article describes the role of MDDs in RONCO’s operations.

Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) provides operational assistance to mine action programmes and operators, conducts research and provides support to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

An Update On The Mine Action Support Group, Masg Masg

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The following article highlights the recent activities of the Mine Action Support Group (MASG). This includes updates on the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The U.S. Department Of Defense Humanitarian Demining Research And Development Program, Sean Burke

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In 1994, the United States initiated a research and development (R&D) program to develop new, internationally shareable technologies for humanitarian deminers and for U.S. troops performing peacekeeping and stability operations. The Humanitarian Demining (HD) R&D Program is part of the overall U.S. effort to assist with the global landmine problem.

Spoiled Soil, Eddie Banks

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

While it is necessary to remove explosive items from the land to facilitate repatriation, reconstruction and rehabilitation, it is crucial that, in undertaking this action, the soil structure is not inadvertently damaged, creating short-, medium- and long-term problems for agriculture, and in particular, the sustainable farming that supports vulnerable communities.

Adopt-A-Team: Adopt-A-Minefield® Responds To The Situation In Afghanistan, Megan Burke

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Afghanistan is considered one of the most mine-affected countries in the world. This is the sad legacy of 23 years of near-continuous war—first against Soviet occupiers, then between rival Afghan factions. The majority of the population has not experienced a time of peace in their lives. According to the United Nations, between 150 and 300 people are injured or killed every month due to landmines or UXO. Seventy percent of those accidents involve civilians—many of whom are returning refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Minex Center, Minex Minex

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since 1978, in the scope of cooperation or defense agreements that link us to some countries (e.g., Chad and Lebanon), the French Engineers have taken part in overseas operations in countries that are greatly affected by the problem of mines and battlefield pollution, and that are no longer at war. Those sappers will acquire an experience recognized worldwide.

In 1992, in order to standardise mine clearance techniques and to elaborate an acceptable training doctrine for all the military actors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to create a training center for post-war mine clearance within the French Army Engineer School …

Security Devices (Pvt) Limited, Trevor Thomsen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Security Devices (PVT) Limited has expanded its manufacture of metal detectors to include an entire range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and manual demining hand-tools.

Low-Profile Disposal Of U.S. Ordnance, Frederick L. Barthold

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The mission was simple enough; monitor air operations at Thumrate bombing range from a safe distance, locate ordnance that did not detonate, ensure a positive identification of said ordnance and ensure a complete disposal of said ordnance is accomplished with the lowest profile possible. Oh, if life could be so easy! The ordnance: MK82, 500-pound bombs using M904E point detonating nose fuzing with a M990 series, inertia tail fuze back-up, and GBU-10, laser guided bombs (MK84) with a MK346 electric tail fuze. What normally would have been a “blow-n-go” operation took a brutal turn for the worse when a herd …

New Partnership Brings Man’S Best Friend To Armenia, Nicole Kreger

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

As a result of the 1988–1994 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Armenia suffers from landmine infestation in those areas where fighting took place.Generous donations from the Armenian Assembly of America and the U.S. government will allow the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) to send several mine detection dogs (MDDs) to help eliminate Armenia’s landmine problem.

The Evolution Of Mine Detection Dog Training, Dan Hayter

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Global Training Academy has been building mine detection dog (MDD) capacities for years, even while they worked under skeptic voices and much criticism. Now the academy serves as the main MDD sub-contractor for the Department of State (DOS), and has experienced many successes with their program.

The Mine Action/Mine Risk Education Integrated Approach, Hanoch Barlevi

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Integration is a popular buzzword in current dialogues among United Nations’ experts and practitioners. The integration of mine risk education (MRE) into mine action programs is crucial if a program is to be successful in addressing the mine threat in a holistic and comprehensive way.

Ppe: Effective Protection For Deminers, J. Nerenberg, Jean-Philippe Dionne, Aris Makris

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article briefly explains the work that Med-Eng Systems, Inc., has done on personal protective equipment (PPE) over the past few years.

The Demining Technology Information Forum, Dtif Dtif

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Demining Technology Information Forum (DTIF) organizes conferences and publishes proceedings and relevant papers in an effort to increase communication between users and developers of demining technology.

A Firsthand Experience With Mine Action: On The Ground With The Organization Of American States In Nicaragua, Mark Hyman

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Founder and chairperson of Global Care Unlimited, Inc., Mark Hyman has been actively working with the global landmine issue for the past three years. This past June, he visited Nicaragua to witness the effects of landmines firsthand and to find out how his middle-schoolers could help. This piece describes what he found there.

Information Systems For Mine Action From The Data Entry Point Of View, Zoran Grujic

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article aims to provide readers with a closer insight into the endeavors of creating an information system and problems related with keeping data consistent and up to date, especially from the point of data entry. The author strives to provide honest and direct insight into the problems and solutions found while supporting mine action activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Role Of Mine Action In Victim Assistance, Eric Filippino

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Of the five pillars of mine action, victim assistance seems to receive the least attention. At the request of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) has recently completed a research project with a view to offering guidance on the future role of mine action in mine and UXO victim assistance.

The Survey Action Center, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Survey Action Center (SAC) is an international organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It is registered in the United States as a non-profit organization. SAC serves as the executing agency for Landmine Impact Surveys (LIS). These surveys will allow greater prioritization of demining efforts and further integration of the various mine action sectors. On the SAC board of directors are four of the world’s top landmine-related non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Handicap International (France), Mine Clearance Planning Agency (Afghanistan), the Danish Demining Group (Denmark) and Norwegian People’s Aid (Norway). Jean Baptiste Richardier is SAC’s President; Bob Eaton is the Executive Director …

Africa: It's Big!, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The great opera commentator, John Culshaw was once asked to describe the monumental Wagnerian “Ring Cycle” using only one word. After pondering the question for a moment he responded by characterizing it as, “long.” At first, this obvious answer seemed more flippant than serious, but a little thought leads one to conclude that Culshaw was on to something. Many words could describe the Ring: monumental, bombastic, fantastic, convoluted, stirring, mythological, but each limits the scope or makes a judgment which may not be ultimately true. The truth is that someone who wants to tackle the Ring must be prepared to …

Community Liaison In Mine Action: Partnerships For Growth, Tim Carstairs

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Using a Community Liaison model that emphasizes community participation, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) prioritises minefield clearance to lessen landmines’ impact on communities in Angola.

Technology's Promises, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Every technology under development makes big promises. Here are five projects that may someday impact the world of mine action.

Angola, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During the 13th century, Angola’s first known residents migrated from west Africa. In 1575, imperialism found its way to this nation through Portuguese colonizers. After World War II, Angola became an important coffee supplier, and the colonial population grew to over 80,000. Consequently, clashes began between the Portuguese and the original inhabitants. The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) and the Capitalist National Union for the Independence of Angola (UNITA) finally gained independence in 1975. Except for a brief period during 1991, UNITA has aggressively rebelled against the established government and …

The Mine Action Program For Afghanistan, Susanna Sprinkel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article has been removed.

Mine Action Technology Now And In The Future: Is It Realistic To Expect Great Leaps Forward In Technology?, Håvard Bach

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In order to realistically predict the future of demining techniques and technologies, past and present technology must first be examined and critiqued.

Connecting Global Education With Activism: Building A Local And Global Community, Marta Colburn

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Getting children active in international events can be done through effective classroom learning experiences. This educator explains how tragedy can lead to a better understanding of diversity.

Behind The Scenes Of Mine Action, Mary Ruberry

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mine Action work involves numerous dangers and risks. Yet the field of Mine Action and the stark beginnings of a mine action center often beget warm bonds. Stories from men involved in demining show what life is like handling munitions, and setting up and running mine programs.

From The Himalayas To The Indian Ocean: The World’S Largest Mine Field?, Jj Scott

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The latest conflict between India and Pakistan has spurred both countries to renew the mining of their borders. This could result in the creation of the largest mine field the world has ever seen.

Landmine Victim Assistance And Government Legal Obligation, Ken Rutherford

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

What are a state’s legal obligations to landmine victim assistance?