This article discusses the challenges of demining Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, and an interview with James Cowan, CEO of HALO Trust, a leading humanitarian organization in this field. The conversation highlights the scale of contamination, emerging technologies for detection and clearance, and the importance of innovation and energy in addressing the issue.
Some key points from the article:
1. **Scale of contamination:** Ukraine is facing one of the largest landmine challenges since World War II, with an estimated 200 million mines scattered across the country.
2. **Emerging technologies:** Cowan mentions several cutting-edge technologies that could revolutionize demining efforts in Ukraine, such as synthetic aperture radar, ground-penetrating radar, and magnetic resonance methods.
3. **Mechanical clearance:** He emphasizes the importance of adopting mechanical clearance techniques to speed up the process and increase efficiency.
4. **Ukraine’s National Mine Action Strategy:** Cowan praises the strategy but suggests it needs to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, including the adoption of emerging technologies.
5. **HALO Trust’s involvement:** As a leading demining organization, HALO Trust has been involved in shaping and advising Ukraine on its mine action strategy.
Overall, the article highlights the challenges and complexities of demining Ukraine, as well as the potential for innovation and emerging technologies to make a significant impact on this critical issue.
