In a significant move for mine clearance efforts, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and the Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) have forged a partnership agreement encompassing two projects: One on bolstering demining activities and community development in Banteay Meanchey province’s Malai district and the other on clearing cluster munitions in Stung Treng province. 

The agreement was signed on December 20 by CMAC director-general Heng Ratana and JMAC resident representative Masakazu Karube, at the CMAC headquarters in Phnom Penh.

Ratana noted that the two projects receive grants totalling nearly $500,000 for a 12-month duration from December 19 to December 18, 2024. 

This marks the third year of project implementation, aiming to clear a combined 630ha of mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) fields in the targeted provinces.

"JMAS has been a partner with CMAC for over 20 years. Indeed, JMAS is a key contributor to CMAC, given its establishment in Cambodia and subsequent expansion to countries with mines worldwide," he said.

He added that signing this agreement also signifies the Japanese government's commitment to supporting JMAS in its ongoing collaboration with CMAC.

"The projects are part of a three-year plan crafted by JMAC and CMAC since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis. Our intention is not to conclude at this point; we aim to initiate new projects to assist Cambodia in addressing the threat posed by landmines and cluster munitions," he said.

Ratana explained that Malai district, which shares its border with Thailand, was chosen for the project as it has experienced a high incidence of anti-personnel mines, and the demining force faced significant challenges during previous demining efforts.

In the initial two years, CMAC effectively cleared 1,185ha of minefields and UXO, uncovering and eliminating 1,671 mines. The positive impact of this effort has reached 64,019 individuals.