Mine warning sign, Ukraine. Ukraine: UN offers new solutions amid mine action funding shortfall Peace and Security
More than $34 billion is needed to implement mine action activities in Ukrainian territories. Experts from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assessed the situation with funding for mine action efforts as a “critical deficit” and prepared a report in which they proposed new financial solutions aimed at promoting Ukraine’s national strategy in this area.
The need for innovative financing methods is more urgent than ever, according to UNDP. The report examines two key solutions: bonds linked to sustainable development projects and public-private partnerships.
The bonds would combine mine clearance efforts with Ukraine’s transition to environmentally friendly agriculture, particularly through organic winter wheat production and low-till farming methods. Meanwhile, public-private partnerships would combine mine clearance with Ukraine’s solar energy development.
In recent years, Ukraine has become one of the countries whose territory is heavily contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance. It is estimated that even if the war ends in the near future, it will take at least a decade to completely clear Ukrainian soil.
UNDP Resident Representative in the country Jako Silje noted that UNDP intends to continue promoting innovative solutions that contribute to achieving Ukraine’s long-term development goals.
“By aligning mine action with environmentally friendly farming and renewable energy, we can contribute to Ukraine’s economic recovery and resilience,” Silje said.
First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko said that the Ukrainian government is currently working to reduce the cost of clearing land from mines.
“In particular, we do this by creating a market in the field of mine clearance, using advanced technologies, using domestic equipment and machinery for mine clearance,” she said. Sviridenko.
Financing of these operations, according to her, should be provided through innovative approaches.
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The authors of the report, Chris Loughran and Camilla Wallen, emphasized the scale of the problem: the mine action deficit cannot be filled by conventional means. According to them, “linking” such activities with Ukraine’s development meets all the requirements and has huge potential for the country.
The report notes that the proposed funding models are aimed at meeting Ukraine’s strategic needs in mine action, energy and agriculture, while promoting economic recovery. The report also calls for political support and detailed planning to help convince investors of the potential benefits.
While Ukraine faces challenges in reconstruction and development, innovative approaches to financing are a critical step towards a safer and more stable future, the report’s authors emphasize.
In recent years, Ukraine has joined the ranks of countries whose territory is heavily contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance. According to experts, even if the war ends in the near future, it will take at least a decade to completely clear Ukrainian soil.