Kyiv, 21 August 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is proud to announce the launch of an innovative project in Ukraine that is set to transform demining operations and create critical methodologies for mine action. 

This initiative features the deployment of sixteen Technical Survey Dogs (TSDs) alongside eight women handlers, and is a collaborative effort involving UNDP, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and APOPO – a non-profit organization renowned for its innovative use of trained animals. The project is being generously funded by the Netherlands and Spain.

The project will focus on training and accrediting TSD teams to conduct thorough surveys in previously occupied territories, with the objective of establishing National Mine Action Standards under the leadership of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and National Mine Action Authority that are specifically tailored to the unique context of Ukraine. Over the next seven months, the teams are expected to survey around 1,800 square kilometres of land in Kharkiv Oblast, thereby enabling the safe return of invaluable land for productive use. 

The use of TSD teams should speed up mine clearance in Ukraine significantly: A fully trained Technical Survey Dog can cover an area around 1,500 square meters per day, compared to a human deminer’s 20-50 square meters per day. TSDs ignore scrap metal and only detect explosive scent, meaning that, in certain conditions, they are much faster at finding landmines than metal detectors.

UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers emphasized the significance of establishing robust standards, stating, “The introduction of Technical Survey Dogs aligns with our commitment to developing national mine action standards that are uniquely adapted to Ukraine’s context. This initiative not only accelerates our demining efforts but also sets a benchmark for future operations, ensuring more efficient and effective clearing of explosive ordnance.”

MAG head Jon Cunliffe added, “Deploying Technical Survey Dogs enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of our demining missions. Their abilities allow us to survey areas more comprehensively, identifying hazards with precision, which is crucial for ensuring communities can reclaim their land safely.”

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Ukraine Alle Dorhout highlighted the critical role of international collaboration in tackling land contamination hazards. "This project exemplifies our dedication to improving safety in the places where there was fighting," Dorhout said. "By supporting demining processes, we aim to restore safe, usable land for humanitarian and development initiatives, ultimately facilitating recovery and growth for Ukraine."

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Ukraine Ricardo Lopez-Aranda Jagu said: “The Technical Survey Dogs project not only strengthens demining efforts in Ukraine but also champions gender equality by involving Ukrainian women as handlers. This initiative empowers women, fosters professional growth, and demonstrates a commitment to promoting gender equality in all spheres, including mine action. I’m proud to say that in 2024 Spain foresees to continue supporting demining efforts in Ukraine through the UNDP programme, including this progressive and inclusive project that elevates the role of women in critical humanitarian efforts and strengthens international cooperation.”

Ukraine’s Deputy Economy Minister Ihor Bezkaravainyi praised the collaborative efforts among UNDP, MAG, and APOPO in confronting the urgent issue of explosive ordnance contamination. "This project is crucial; it not only supports immediate demining activities but also aims to produce a sustainable methodology that can be widely utilized for mine action throughout Ukraine,” Deputy Minister Bezkaravainyi said. “It represents a unified commitment to ensuring safer environments for our communities,” he added.

The launch of the Technical Survey Dogs project marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's ongoing efforts to enhance mine action capabilities. It underscores the collaborative partnership between UNDP, MAG, APOPO, and the generous support of the Netherlands, Spain, and the European Union, which is also funding the initiative. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org.