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FSD Mine and UXO clearance in Kharkiv and Kherson Oblasts (MUCKKO)


This project of FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) deploys the full range of mine action activities, which enables to identify the level of risks in suspected areas, clear unexploded ordnance (UXOs) and mines, and minimize the risks for the population thanks to targeted awareness sessions. It builds on the first FDFA-supported intervention in Kharkiv oblast and extends to the recently liberated Kherson oblast, equally affected by weapon contamination.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Ukraine
Conflict & fragility
Removal of land mines
01.01.2024 - 30.11.2024
 CHF  10’004’000
The project in brief
Background About one third of Ukraine’s territory is suspected of mine and other remnants of war contamination. By August 2023, more than 300 civilians were killed and 650 injured in explosive ordnance (EO) incidents, and victims could occur in the generations to come if civilian areas are not decontaminated. In addition, large swathes of agricultural land has been let aside by farmers by fear of mines, which in turn dramatically affects food production in Ukraine for inland consumption and for exports. Humanitarian demining is set as an absolute priority by the government of Ukraine and a pre-condition for economic recovery and the return of displaced people to their homes.
Objectives In line with Strategic Outcome 1 of the 2023 Ukraine Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), the Overall Objective is to provide a life-saving assistance to returnees and those people who remained in their communities in the form of mine action interventions. The Specific Objective is to reduce the threat from unexploded ordnance (UXOs) and mines, and increase awareness of explosive risks in selected areas of Kharkiv and Kherson Oblasts.
Target groups

The Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) has identified that 10,7 mio people in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian mine action assistance. Three subgroups are targeted: IDPs, returnees and residents who remained despite combats in their area.

EO clearance benefits to all the population in a given area. For EORE (explosive ordnance risk education), groups will be targeted depending on the level of threat and the message adapted to the different needs of girls, boys, women and men. 
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1 - Define the threat from explosive ordnance in selected areas through focused non-technical survey (NTS) activities.

Outcome 2 – Reduce the vulnerability of the local population in selected areas through explosive ordnance risk education (EORE).

Outcome 3 - Reduce the threat from explosive ordnance in Confirmed and/or Suspected Hazard Areas in selected sites through Technical Survey, battle area clearance (BAC) of UXO, and mine clearance through manual and mechanical means as well as technical survey dogs (TSD).  
Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1.2 Seven NTS teams are recruited, trained and equipped. NTS is conducted

Output 1.3.4 Reporting and mapping is completed. Post-Clearance Impact Assessment (PCIA) is conducted on all settlements in which clearance is conducted

Output 2.1.2 Five EORE teams are recruited, trained and equipped. EORE sessions are conducted, including distribution of EORE material

Output 2.3.4 Beneficiary data is collected. EORE post session impact assessment is conducted

Output 3.1.3 Eight manual Clearance teams, one mechanical mine clearence team and two technical survey dogs (TSD) are recruited, trained and equipped

Output 3.4 BAC, manual and mechanical mine clearance and TSD activities are conducted

Output 3.5 Clearance and/or progress reports submitted 


Results from previous phases:   A first intervention of FSD has been co-funded by PHRD (lead) and SDC, together with the Principality of Liechtenstein and a contribution from Swiss Solidarity, for a total of 2,8 mio CHF. Seven FSD teams were recruited, trained and are operational in Kharkiv area, where they carry out mine action activities: explosive ordnance risk education (EORE), non-technical survey (NTS), technical survey (TS), battle area clearance (BAC), demining. The results of this project (surface cleared, number of mines/UXOs cleared) are not yet known, since it is continuing until March 2024.The assets (vehicles, tools, equipment) purchased for the first project will be transferred to the new project. 


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
Private sector
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • Other Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • Swiss Private Sector
  • Fondation Suisse de déminage (FSD)


Coordination with other projects and actors Halo Trust, DRC and NPA have activities similar to FSD. Ukrainian authorities allocate areas and tasks to avoid duplication. FSD carries out the mine clearance component of a flagship project by WFP and FAO on agricultural land.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    10’004’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    8’004’458 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   9’989’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.01.2024 - 30.11.2024   (Current phase)
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Removal of land mines and explosive remnants of war
    Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F11177

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Last update 14.05.2020