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Full-Text Articles in Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Integrating Erw Programs: The Case For Consolidating Cwd Activities, Mark Adams Oct 2010

Integrating Erw Programs: The Case For Consolidating Cwd Activities, Mark Adams

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

For years, the mine-action community has been revising its definition of explosive remnants of war. Viewing unexploded ordnance, landmines, ammunition stockpiles, and small arms/light weapons as individual threats, the mine-action community has created distinct budgets, programs and policies to address each of them. What were beginning to realize, however, is that a more integrated approach allows for greater progress in reducing the ERW threat.


Mine Action In North Sudan, Khalid Ibrahim Hamed Oct 2010

Mine Action In North Sudan, Khalid Ibrahim Hamed

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

North Sudan’s National Mine Action Centre is making great strides toward clearing all known mined areas in Sudan’s northern regions by April 2014. In the following article, the author, a Quality Assurance Officer for NMAC, explores NMAC’s work, future plans, and how it has linked mine action to development and recovery in North Sudan.


Falkland Islands Demining Pilot Project: Completion Of Phase 1, Robin Swanson Oct 2010

Falkland Islands Demining Pilot Project: Completion Of Phase 1, Robin Swanson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The United Kingdom has started to remove anti-personnel mines from the Falkland/Malvinas Islands in order to meet its obligations under Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention. A pilot phase was completed in June 2010 to clear four suspected hazardous areas—a critical first step to inform future projects following the conclusion of the Joint U.K.-Argentine Feasibility Study.


The Effect Of Reinforcement Rate Variations On Hits And False Alarms In Remote Explosive Scent Tracing With Dogs, Rebecca Sargisson, Ian Mclean Oct 2010

The Effect Of Reinforcement Rate Variations On Hits And False Alarms In Remote Explosive Scent Tracing With Dogs, Rebecca Sargisson, Ian Mclean

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Detection animals offer untapped potential in terms of locating landmines and explosive ordnance in the field and in the laboratory. In this study, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining investigated the effect of low, medium, and high levels of reward on the performance of six dogs searching filters for explosive odor.


The Advanced Intelligence Decision Support System For The Assessment Of Mine-Suspected Areas, Milan Bajic Oct 2010

The Advanced Intelligence Decision Support System For The Assessment Of Mine-Suspected Areas, Milan Bajic

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Several research and development projects have been created to utilize airborne and spaceborne remote sensing for mine action, but the Advanced Intelligence Decision Support System is the first mine-action technology to successfully combine remote sensing with advanced intelligence methodology. The result is a rigorously operationally validated system that improves hazardous risk assessment for greater efficiency in land cancellation and release. This article discusses the components of the AI DSS system and its achievements in mine action.


Itep Evaluation Of Metal Detectors And Dual-Sensor Detectors, Kazunori Takahashi, Dieter Gulle Oct 2010

Itep Evaluation Of Metal Detectors And Dual-Sensor Detectors, Kazunori Takahashi, Dieter Gulle

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since its development in the early 1970s, scientists from an array of disciplines have found reason to utilize ground-penetrating radar to create radar images of the subsurface. The following article examines how GPR use in combination with standard metal detectors could aid workers in the field of demining.


The Bridge From Hold To Build, Yori Escalante Oct 2010

The Bridge From Hold To Build, Yori Escalante

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In Afghanistan, the United States and United Nations are developing a new approach to community-based demining by funding local nongovernmental organizations. The use of these Afghan NGOs has not only allowed clearance to begin more quickly and continue more effectively, but has also helped the local population along the path to recovery and supported overall counterinsurgency efforts.


Profile: “Remnants Of A War,” Directed By Jawad Metni, Documentary Review Oct 2010

Profile: “Remnants Of A War,” Directed By Jawad Metni, Documentary Review

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah War, Israeli forces dropped more than four million cluster munitions on Southern Lebanon. By conservative estimates, these bombs fail to detonate 30 percent of the time. This rate, when coupled with a 2009 stall in the funding process, has left more than 12 million square meters (2,965 acres) of land threatening the safety and lives of local residents. Responding to this danger, Director Jawad Metni uses his film,“Remnants of a War,” to document the trained, local deminers of Southern Lebanon as they diligently work to remove the remaining munitions more than three years after the …


Tripwires: An Invisible Component?, Colin King Jul 2010

Tripwires: An Invisible Component?, Colin King

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Most landmines are pressure-actuated, but a number of other initiation mechanisms are used. This article explains why tripwires are particularly significant, and examines their implications for clearance operations.


Trial Of Ground-Penetrating Radar, Neutron And Magnetometry Methods In Arid Soil In Egypt, John Crawford Jul 2010

Trial Of Ground-Penetrating Radar, Neutron And Magnetometry Methods In Arid Soil In Egypt, John Crawford

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Metal detection and digging are somewhat unsatisfactory approaches to locating landmines. This report presents and examines alternative detection solutions, such as ground-penetrating radar as well as neutron and magnetometry methods. A case study of these techniques in a laboratory setting and in Egyptian soil reveals their effectiveness.


Post-Conflict Impact Assessment In Cambodia, Ruth Bottomley, Phuong Ponha Apr 2010

Post-Conflict Impact Assessment In Cambodia, Ruth Bottomley, Phuong Ponha

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article presents a pilot study that tested the Post-conflict Impact Assessment methodology conducted by MAG Cambodia (Mines Advisory Group Cambodia) in the first quarter of 2009. Funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development, the pilot was implemented to gauge the suitability and effectiveness of the PCIA methodology to collect impact-assessment data related to MAG’s humanitarian mine-action activities. This article describes the methodology, outlines the process of the pilot study and concludes by discussing the findings that emerged from the pilot, which are currently helping to inform the development of a MAG impact-assessment tool.


South Sudan: The Role Of Bangladeshi Military Deminers, Md Tarek Abdullah Apr 2010

South Sudan: The Role Of Bangladeshi Military Deminers, Md Tarek Abdullah

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article is an endeavor to give an overview of the mine and unexploded ordnance situation in South Sudan, highlighting the role of the Bangladesh Military Demining Platoon (formerly the Bangladesh Military Demining Company). Ultimately, their efforts served to clear 2,733,858 square meters (676 acres) in five of the country’s most affected areas.


Non-Technical Survey: A Model For Evidence-Based Assessment, Aron Larsson, Love Ekenberg, Asa Wessel, Håvard Bach Apr 2010

Non-Technical Survey: A Model For Evidence-Based Assessment, Aron Larsson, Love Ekenberg, Asa Wessel, Håvard Bach

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In an ongoing effort to improve the Non-technical Survey, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining teamed with Stockholm University to create an enhanced version of the Cambodia Mine Action Centre’s Evidence Assessment Model. The aim of the project was to make the existing model more user-friendly and modify the current standards for assessment of mine-affected land. CMAC is testing a revised model to ensure that it meets the needs of their Non-technical Survey teams.


Falkland-Malvinas Islands Update, Cory Kuklick Apr 2010

Falkland-Malvinas Islands Update, Cory Kuklick

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina ceased in 1982, the Falkland-Malvinas Islands have remained riddled with landmines. Under its obligation to the Ottawa Convention, the U.K. is removing the landmines from this territory. Despite concerns about clearance there, a successful pilot program has been conducted.


Linking Mine Action And Economic Development, Charles Downs Apr 2010

Linking Mine Action And Economic Development, Charles Downs

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

There is often a separation between mine-action programs and economic development, which is unfortunate because mine action is an important part of economic progress. This article focuses on potential strategies for the integration of support to economic development into mine-action programs.


Two Strategies For Landmine Detection By Giant Pouched Rats, Alan Poling, Christophe Cox, Bart Weetjens, Negussie Beyene, Andrew Sully Apr 2010

Two Strategies For Landmine Detection By Giant Pouched Rats, Alan Poling, Christophe Cox, Bart Weetjens, Negussie Beyene, Andrew Sully

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article compares the performance of Giant African Pouched Rats under two different management systems, both appropriate for mine-detection operational use. Employing International Mine Action Standards for accreditation, the researchers outline the process of conditioning and testing these mine-detection animals for field use.


Signature Recognition: Reading The Signs Of Explosive Ordnance, Colin King Apr 2010

Signature Recognition: Reading The Signs Of Explosive Ordnance, Colin King

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Signature recognition can be a valuable tool for identifying types of ordnance emplaced, clearing ordnance and enhancing mine-risk education. Additionally, it aids medical professionals in determining the cause of injury and can identify illegal ordnance use. While signature recognition is already a major component of explosive-ordnance-disposal training, it can also provide substantial benefits for local communities affected by landmines.


Environmental Impact On The Functionality Of Landmines: Does Aging Matter?, Martin Jebens Apr 2010

Environmental Impact On The Functionality Of Landmines: Does Aging Matter?, Martin Jebens

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mines buried in Skallingen, Denmark, during World War II have since shown varying reactions to their environments in beach, dune and marsh areas. This article explains the results of several tests that may assist in the development of a more efficient, cost-effective demining plan in these areas. It also posits that a similar analysis of mines and soils in other old minefields could result in more flexibility with clearance, leading to greater efficiency.


The Saloglu Project, Perviz Gidayev Apr 2010

The Saloglu Project, Perviz Gidayev

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

After the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Azerbaijan and the subsequent destruction of an Azeri ammunition warehouse, a large portion of the southern region was contaminated by unexploded ordnance. Following an incorrect initial estimate and the obstacle of lack of funds, the Saloglu Project, a partnership among NATO, its Maintenance and Supply Agency, and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action, was undertaken to clear the UXO. There is still work to be done, but much has already been accomplished.


Mag's Questionnaire To Assess The Impact Of Clearance In Lao Pdr, Jo Durham, Xaya Xayavong, Boulphan Inthaxay Apr 2010

Mag's Questionnaire To Assess The Impact Of Clearance In Lao Pdr, Jo Durham, Xaya Xayavong, Boulphan Inthaxay

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In an effort to assess the impact of clearing unexploded ordnance, MAG (Mines Advisory Group) developed a questionnaire to analyze local perspectives on clearance operations and to ensure positive livelihood development.


Half Of Nepali Minefields Cleared, News Brief Apr 2010

Half Of Nepali Minefields Cleared, News Brief

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Nepal has successfully cleared half of the minefields laid during a decade-long internal conflict. Media reports credit the United Nations and local agencies for supporting national demining efforts, which began two years ago. Clearance and victim assistance were major components of the 2007 peace accord between the government of Nepal and the Unified Community Party of Nepal


The Performance Of Militaries In Humanitarian Demining, Ted Paterson Apr 2010

The Performance Of Militaries In Humanitarian Demining, Ted Paterson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Studies indicate that humanitarian demining under civilian oversight is safer and more cost-efficient than humanitarian demining under military oversight. This article provides examples supporting such evidence, cites possible exceptions, and explores reasons for performance inadequacies in military demining units.


Space Assets For Demining Assistance, Thomas Bouvet Apr 2010

Space Assets For Demining Assistance, Thomas Bouvet

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article discusses an innovative study the European Space Agency is funding to examine the feasibility of applying space assets to the field of mine action to improve the land-release process. It also announces the opportunity to get involved in implementing the study.


Introducing Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment, Tim Lardner, Nick Bateman, Landon Shroder Apr 2010

Introducing Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment, Tim Lardner, Nick Bateman, Landon Shroder

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article describes the Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment and how it seeks to contextualize ERW-related risks at community, mine-action-operator, national-authority and donor levels in order to prioritize community aid so funds are used effectively and communities receive the assistance they need.


Future Developments Trends In Mechanical-Demining Technology, Heinz Rath, Dieter Schroder, Raymond Twiesselmann Apr 2010

Future Developments Trends In Mechanical-Demining Technology, Heinz Rath, Dieter Schroder, Raymond Twiesselmann

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The authors argue that there is a need to turn toward cheaper and more effective mechanical demining. The future of demining technology is very important for countries with landmine-clearance needs.


Humanitarian Demining Requirements Workshop, Sean Burke Apr 2010

Humanitarian Demining Requirements Workshop, Sean Burke

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The 2010 Humanitarian Demining Requirements Workshop will gather mine-action participants from governmental and nongovernmental agencies and various international organizations to share information and ideas pertaining to new technology development, and to discuss the latest results from global demining activities. Selected participants from approximately 12 countries will attend this year’s gathering 21–23 June 2010. Each demining organization is expected to share a presentation detailing its specific activities with the workshop participants.


Research In Colombia On Explosives Detection By Rats, Luisa Fernando Mendez Pardo, Andres M. Perez-Acosta Nov 2009

Research In Colombia On Explosives Detection By Rats, Luisa Fernando Mendez Pardo, Andres M. Perez-Acosta

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The interdisciplinary research group INVESTUD is investigating the effectiveness of mine-detecting lab rats. In Africa, the APOPO program is well-known for using African giant pouched rats for mine detection, but INVESTUD hopes to build on and even surpass APOPO’s progress to advance Colombia’s mine-clearance efforts.


Anti-Personnel Landmine Detection For Humanitarian Demining: The Current Situation And Future Direction For Japanese Research And Development, Book Review Nov 2009

Anti-Personnel Landmine Detection For Humanitarian Demining: The Current Situation And Future Direction For Japanese Research And Development, Book Review

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The interest in developing technology for humanitarian demining has grown in Japan ever since the country became a signatory to the Ottawa Convention on 3 December 1997. In fact, from October 2002 to March 2008, the Japan Science and Technology Agency, which is under Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, funded a comprehensive program to jump-start research and technology development in the field of humanitarian demining. This program, titled “Research and Development of Sensing Technology, Access and Control Technology to Support Humanitarian Demining of Anti-personnel Mines,” consisted of 12 projects that were chosen out of 82 different …


Data Analysis And Performance Evaluation Of Japanese Dual-Sensor Systems Tested In Croatia, Kazunori Takahashi, Mate Gaal, Dieter Gulle Nov 2009

Data Analysis And Performance Evaluation Of Japanese Dual-Sensor Systems Tested In Croatia, Kazunori Takahashi, Mate Gaal, Dieter Gulle

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Two years ago, the Croatian Mine Action Center–Center for Testing Development and Training Ltd. tested two Japanese dual-sensor systems for humanitarian demining in Croatia. The test’s results show that these detection systems can potentially increase the accuracy of mine-detecting operations, but several improvements to the sensors may be required before the systems are fully effective.


Ieds And Their Impact On Mine Action, Adrian King Nov 2009

Ieds And Their Impact On Mine Action, Adrian King

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article addresses the increasingly prevalent threat of improvised explosive devices around the world. The author carefully defines this often unpredictable and unconventional “weapon of choice” and outlines the steps to eliminate the hazard it presents to global security. The article also discusses the role IEDs play within the scope of mine action, arguing their danger exceeds that of traditional mines and other unexploded ordnance.