(Phnom Penh): The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in humanitarian mine action and capacity development across ASEAN Member States.

The partnership will focus on key areas, including information management, standards development, knowledge sharing, innovation, and the identification of priority cooperation areas in direct response to the needs of affected Member States.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in humanitarian mine action. By bringing together ARMAC’s convening role and APOPO’s technical expertise, we aim to support ASEAN Member States in building capacity, adopting new methods, and advancing approaches that place affected communities at the center of our work,” said Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC.

Under the MoU, ARMAC and APOPO will work together to strengthen technical capacities and training for mine action authorities and operators, support the development of standards and good practices, advance research and the use of new technologies, and facilitate regional dialogue and knowledge exchange to strengthen national mine action systems.

“APOPO is honoured to collaborate with ARMAC in supporting humanitarian mine action across ASEAN. Through this cooperation, we look forward to sharing our experience in innovative detection methods and capacity development, while working together to strengthen national systems and contribute to safer, mine-free communities in the region,” said Michael Heiman, Head of Mine Action Programs at APOPO.

This cooperation contributes to ASEAN’s collective efforts to address the humanitarian impact of explosive ordnance, strengthen national capacities, and support sustainable recovery and development in affected communities.

The MoU further reinforces ASEAN’s commitment to building a safer, more resilient, and mine-free region

About ARMAC:
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is a regional center of excellence established by ASEAN Leaders in 2012. Operating under the ASEAN framework, ARMAC supports Member States in addressing the humanitarian and developmental impacts of explosive ordnance (EO). It promotes regional cooperation, strengthens technical capacities, and provides expertise to help affected communities recover and move forward in peace and security.

About APOPO:
APOPO (Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling) is an international humanitarian organization headquartered in Belgium. It specializes in animal detection systems (ADS) for mine action and other applications. APOPO combines innovative technology with capacity development, technical training, and operational support to assist national and regional partners.

Through its work, APOPO enhances the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of land release while contributing to research, knowledge sharing, and the development of sustainable national capacities in humanitarian mine action.
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