Enhancing access to safe land in Kharkiv region through mechanical clearance

A quarter of Ukraine’s territory is suspected of mine and other remnants of war contamination (144’000 km2), exposing 15% of the population. Almost a thousand of civilians have been injured or killed in explosive ordnance (EO) incidents, tractor drivers making 12% of them. The Government of Ukraine have established a National Strategy to respond to this historic challenge, where clearance of agricultural land comes as a priority and a precondition for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.

Mine action is male-dominated, lagging behind for gender equality. Recruitment of male Ukrainians paves the way for women deminers.

Thanks to enhanced survey and clearance of suspected contaminated areas by explosive ordnance, communities benefit from inclusive and sustainable socio-economic recovery and development.

The use of the mechanical asset D-250 allows to prepare ground, where dense vegetation prevents survey/clearance or puts at risk the lives of manual deminers. The constitution of a whole-female multi-task team, that conducts non-technical and technical survey and clearance using the D-250, serves as an example and promote gender equality.

According to the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, 6,7 mio Ukrainians are in need of mine action in 2024.

Total direct beneficiaries

264 of manual clearence: 24 farmers; of mechanical clearence: 240 farmers

Indirect beneficiaries:

100 members of the communities where economic and agricultural activities resume thanks to mine clearance

Women

whose needs are integrated into the project, and who get job opportunities in mine action

1. Safe and productive land allows freedom of movement to improved livelihoods, basic services and natural resources.
2. Contribute to the repository of research on gender-mainstreaming in mine action.
3. Improved perceptions of female deminers.
4. Bolster mechanical capabilities with the D-250 machine for faster mine clearance and improved safety.

Expected results:  

• Land survey and hazardous areas identified
• Land released compliant to standards.
• Development of an initial female staff retention evaluation report.
• Communications plan designed and delivered, including material.
• A newly accredited asset has been successfully deployed for clearance activities in Kharkiv oblast.
• Land cleared through mechanical means (400,000m2).
• Ground prepared for survey/clearance through mechanical means (450,000m2)

Results from previous phases:   In 2023, the Department of Defence, Protection of the population and Sports (DDPS) donated a D-250 Digger machine to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). That one-off donation was appreciated by SESU but is not accompanied by a follow-up about its impact. This intervention is built to focus on impact and integrated mine action.