MINE LAYING, MINE ACTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Mine laying and mine action focused on humanitarian demining have a strong environmental impact. Laid mines and minefields may have a very negative impact on the flora and fauna, while there are also known examples of minefields protecting the environment from the destructive influence of man. As a result of different climatic conditions, mines and unexploded ordnance begin to “disintegrate” quickly, with chemical compounds often polluting the environment. Mine action may have a negative impact on the environment particularly through the destruction of mine stocks and humanitarian demining. In the context of humanitarian demining, mechanical demining is a process in which environmental impact is the most pronounced. Nevertheless, negative effects may also occur as a result of other operations. International Mine Action Standards contain a standard which defines environmental protection and lays down measures that must be respected in the performance of operations. As a result, environmental protection is today part of all national mine action standards, while this was not so before the UN’s adoption of this “ecological standard”. The Kosovo programme places particular stress on security and productivity, while little emphasis is given to potential negative environmental impacts. The mine action programme in Afghanistan places major emphasis on protecting water resources and fertile land, while the one in Yemen emphasises the protection of trees. Research done in Kuwait shows that mine laying and intensive mine action have a very pronounced and long-term effect on the environment.