Innovative Finance for Mine Action: Needs and Potential Solutions

Authors

Danielle Payne, Geneva Centre for International Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)Follow
Camille Wallen, Symbio Impact LtdFollow
Chris Loughran, Symbio Impact LtdFollow

Abstract

Chronic underfunding has significantly impacted the mine action sector, undermining its stability and predictability. This funding shortfall hampers both the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. This trend is further compounded by the nature of today’s operating environment in mine action; as new conflicts emerge while others are characterized by their protracted nature, the demands on the sector are multiplying. These conflicts not only prolong the threat of landmines but also introduce new hazards, such as the rising use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by non-state armed groups. With the nature of conflicts evolving, the variety of threats grows, necessitating a broader and more adaptive response. Yet, without a significant increase in funding, the sector will continue to struggle to keep pace with these challenges. The mine action community is therefore at a critical point; the sector risks falling irreparably behind unless a holistic commitment to substantial, sustainable support is undertaken.

The recent study “Innovative Finance for Mine Action: Needs and Potential Solutions” published by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) assesses the current mine action funding landscape.1 This analysis not only details the dire financial needs of the sector but also explores how innovative finance mechanisms, already proven successful in other relevant sectors, could be adapted and applied to mine action. The study provides more broadly an overview of potential solutions that could help to revitalize funding and enable more effective responses to the evolving challenges in mine action. The main findings of this study are outlined in this article

Recommended Citation

Payne, Danielle; Wallen, Camille; and Loughran, Chris (2024) "Innovative Finance for Mine Action: Needs and Potential Solutions," The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction: Vol. 28 : Iss. 3 , Article 5.
Available at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cisr-journal/vol28/iss3/5