Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Director-General Heng Ratana and Michael Raine, country director of APOPO in Cambodia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 27 to implement a €1.6 million (approximately $1.8 million) project to accelerate the survey and clearance of cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia’s border provinces, with funding from the European Union (EU).
The signing took place at CMAC’s Headquarters in Phnom Penh.
Ratana said the partnership officially launched the project, titled “Supporting Stability and Recovery in Cambodia’s Border provinces Through Accelerated Survey and Clearance of Cluster Munitions and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)”.
The project will run for 18 months, from October 2026 to March 2028, with a total budget of €1.6 million (approximately $1.8 million) provided as an EU grant.
APOPO has been a key international partner of CMAC in mine clearance and the removal of explosive remnants of war (ERW) since 2014.
Through their long-standing cooperation, the two organisations have helped clear land contaminated by explosive remnants, particularly in areas affected by Thai cluster munitions that struck residential areas and farmland in 2025. Their collaboration has also strengthened technical capabilities and clearance operations, including the use of mine-detection dogs and rats in humanitarian mine action.
“The implementation of this project will directly contribute to restoring socio-economic activities in affected regions, enhancing community safety, and establishing favourable conditions for sustainable development. This joint effort also highlights the critical importance of cooperation between CMAC and international partners to resolve the issues of war remnants that continue to threaten the lives and safety of citizens,” Ratana said.
Under the project, CMAC and APOPO will continue working closely, drawing on their expertise, experience and technical capabilities to accelerate the safe and efficient survey and clearance of explosive remnants. The initiative aims to protect lives, help communities recover and promote human security across Cambodia’s border provinces.
