[Breaking News] Environmental protection and climate change in mine action takes centre stage

National governments and international institutions are ramping up demands in legislation and treaties to prioritize environmental protection and combat climate change. This push affects mine action (MA) operations, requiring adherence to environmental and climate laws, impacting national authorities, mine action operators, affected communities, donors, and the global community.

MA not only enhances safety and security but also fosters socioeconomic development by reducing the impact of mines and unexploded submunitions. Mitigating adverse environmental impacts and considering climate change are crucial in MA operations, particularly in the face of established climate science pointing to human activity as a primary cause of rising temperatures.

Environmental management, including climate action, is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and bolstering resilience to climate-induced impacts. The application of land release principles minimizes the direct impact of MA operations on the environment while maintaining demining quality.

The adoption of a new edition of the IMAS on environmental management and climate change in mine action introduces guidance for tailored national mine action standards and SOPs, along with environmental data collection and climate adaptation measures, are vital for the sector's progress. With many conflict-affected countries susceptible to climate change and lacking preparedness, embedding environmental management and climate adaptation measures in the sector's processes is imperative for informed decision-making and overall operational improvement.

Click here to access the newly released IMAS.