Roccasalvo: UNDP to focus on integrating innovative technologies into mine action in Karabakh

Society 13:37 07.08.2024

The cooperation between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) plays an important role in ensuring security in Karabakh. Joint efforts are aimed at clearing the territory of mines and explosive objects, which is critically important for the return of Azerbaijanis who were once expelled from here.

This cooperation also contributes to the development of agriculture and infrastructure and serves to improve the quality of life in affected areas. Relatively recently, UNDP and ANAMA signed a declaration of intent to establish a Center of Excellence for Demining in Azerbaijan.

In an interview with local media Report, Acting Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Azerbaijan Alessandra Roccasalvo, spoke about the future activities of this Center, the impact of demining on achieving the SDGs, the consequences of Armenia's refusal to provide accurate maps of minefields to Azerbaijan, and other topics.

- Could you, please, elaborate on the role and activities of the Centre of Excellence and Training for Mine Action in relation to demining efforts in Azerbaijan?

- The Centre of Excellence and Training for Mine Action will promote best practises, innovation, safety, and efficiency by providing training, capacity-building, and technical support to national and regional demining institutions. By building local expertise, Azerbaijan will be well-equipped to address large-scale contamination and even assist other countries.

- In your opinion, what additional resources or support are needed to achieve long-term mine action goals in Azerbaijan?

- Sustained financial investment, advanced technical equipment, and enhanced training programmes supported by international partners and donors are essential to long-term mine action in Azerbaijan. With innovative technologies, such as drones, mechanical demining, artificial intelligence, and satellite imagery, demining operations can significantly improve. Investing in community engagement and education on mine risks also plays a vital role.

- How important is demining for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?

- The achievement of many SDGs depends on the effectiveness of mine action. Clearing contaminated lands, supporting victims, and educating people on the risks means people can go home, go back to work and to their farms, that their children are safe, and that women and girls are empowered.

- How do you assess the impact of the lack of accurate minefield maps?- The absence of accurate minefield maps poses significant challenges to demining efforts, leading to increased risks for deminers and civilians. It hampers the efficiency and speed of mine clearance operations, prolonging the danger and preventing the safe return of displaced persons. The lack of maps also escalates the costs and resources required for demining, impeding socio-economic recovery and development in affected areas. At UNDP, we strongly encourage cooperation and collaboration in the field of information exchange on the location of mines/ERW and the identification of affected.

- What new projects are anticipated between UNDP and ANAMA in the near future?

- UNDP and ANAMA are expected to focus on expanding demining operations, enhancing capacity-building initiatives, and integrating innovative technologies into mine action. Joint efforts will include community engagement programmes, risk education campaigns, and the development of sustainable livelihoods in mine-affected areas. Strengthening data management and information systems to improve the coordination and effectiveness of demining activities is also anticipated.

IEPF issued a statement regarding Azerbaijani children at the UN Human Rights Council

News line

Lachin Rising: A Brotherhood of Steel Between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan
15:02 30.05.2025
"Türkiye welcomes Azerbaijan's efforts for peace in South Caucasus"
14:53 27.05.2025
Trump could exit Ukraine talks
13:56 27.05.2025
North Korea says US 'Golden Dome' risks 'space nuclear war'
12:01 27.05.2025
Hikmat Hajiyev meets with NATO Deputy Secretary General in Brussels
11:10 23.05.2025
Foreign diplomats visit Agdam Conference Center
21:35 21.05.2025
New Secondary School Opened in Gakh by Heydar Aliyev Foundation
21:22 21.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Turkish Presidents Meet One-on-One in Nakhchivan
21:03 21.05.2025
Opening ceremony of World Cup held in Baku
20:57 21.05.2025
Pashinyan, EU Envoys Discuss Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace
19:52 21.05.2025
New Deputy Appointed to Nakhchivan Education Minister
19:20 21.05.2025
Nakhchivan marks Türkiye’s National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
17:42 21.05.2025
F.Shafiyev: Azerbaijan-Türkiye unity is example of effective cooperation
17:35 21.05.2025
Azerbaijan to build circular power link in Karabakh
17:28 21.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Italy discuss prospects for defense cooperation
17:19 21.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev addresses conference on Western Azerbaijan in Ankara
17:14 21.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Türkiye uphold international law for regional stability
17:03 21.05.2025
President of Cuba congratulates President Ilham Aliyev
16:58 21.05.2025
Azerbaijani President: Digitalization of the Middle Corridor is a priority
16:53 21.05.2025
Erdogan: Ilham Aliyev will be remembered as a peacemaker
16:48 21.05.2025
TDT: Azerbaijan is very important for the development of the Turkic world
16:43 21.05.2025
Georgian minister discusses cooperation with Azerbaijani ambassador
16:35 21.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Türkiye mull prospects for development of military cooperation
16:29 21.05.2025
Azerbaijan and Croatia hold political consultations
16:24 21.05.2025
GlobE Network work plan for 2025 approved in Baku
16:18 21.05.2025
Talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia may be held at level of heads of state
12:21 19.05.2025
A Meeting of Nobles exhibition to open in Shusha
12:15 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan increases construction by over 2026
12:09 19.05.2025
How does space "sound"? -NASA created "music" from the sounds of black hole
12:03 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan joins Fez Festival of World Sacred Music
11:57 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan’s parliamentary delegation starts official visit to Spain
11:53 19.05.2025
EU countries agree on big defence fund with Azerbaijan- Diplomat Says
11:48 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan,Türkiye Hold Talks on Education Sector Cooperation
11:42 19.05.2025
Azerbaijani delegation attends Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025
11:36 19.05.2025
The official opening of the Azerbaijani carpet exhibition took place in Chisinau
11:31 19.05.2025
Press review of I.Aliyev's participation in the 6th Summit of the "European Political Union"
11:25 19.05.2025
Azerbaijani delegation participated in the International Economic Forum
11:21 19.05.2025
Azerbaijan to be represented at Astana International Forum
11:16 19.05.2025
New agreement between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the field of plant safety
11:14 19.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev: Azerbaijani healthcare has made significant steps along a long way of development
11:08 19.05.2025
Hamısı