Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has become one of the most heavily mine-contaminated countries in the world. Landmines and explosive remnants of war pose a serious threat to civilians, prevent the use of agricultural land and hinder the recovery and reconstruction of entire regions.

Liechtenstein supports The HALO Trust in implementing the project “Promoting Socio-Economic Recovery in Ukraine through Mine Action”. The HALO Trust is one of the world's leading humanitarian mine action organisations and has been working in Ukraine for many years.

As part of the project, manual clearance teams are deployed to clear mine-contaminated land and remove explosive remnants of war. In total, approximately 27,000 square metres of contaminated land will be cleared. This will help reduce deaths and injuries caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance, while increasing the safety of the civilian population. At the same time, affected communities will be able to resume economic and social activities and restore the productive use of agricultural land.

In addition, the project promotes the development and deployment of renewable energy solutions in six demining camps. This will make the camps less dependent on local power supplies, increase operational flexibility and improve environmental sustainability. The pilot initiative has the potential to be scaled up across Ukraine’s mine action sector.

The project benefits local communities, internally displaced persons, returnees and agricultural businesses. It therefore makes an important contribution to civilian safety, the economic recovery of affected regions and the sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine.