Bosnia and Herzegovina participatory mine action and development (PMAD)
Paul Courtney and John Powell are currently working in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) with Handicap International on an innovative project to integrate rural development with mine action work. The aim of the project is to develop and test approaches that bring together two types of activity that are traditionally carried out separately by different organisations.
Handicap International has been undertaking de-mining and other landmine action in the area (education, marking, awareness raising) for some time but has not previously engaged with rural development aspects of the areas in which they operate. The work is being carried out in two communities in the southern part of BiH with a focus on social inclusion, which is viewed as a means of linking mine action and rural development. The work is challenging due to the low level of social capital existing in the area, lack of trust, and complex governance systems within BiH. The overall aims of the project are to improve the well being of local people through cross-sectoral cooperation, stronger civil society structures, and improved understanding and communication of mine risks along with reduced mine impacts.
