UDS examines the experience of Croatia: Towards humanitarian demining and bringing land back to life

UDS examines the experience of Croatia: Towards humanitarian demining and bringing land back to life

Croatia, being at the forefront of the fight against the threat of mines, actively uses a variety of organizations and institutions for mine action. One of the key institutions is CROMAC - the National Mine Action Implementer. Its functions include gathering information on mine-contaminated areas, maintaining a database, and coordinating with other international partners.

 Commercial organizations, having received permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, play a key role in demining. Their resources, such as 350 metal detectors and 14 large demining vehicles, determine their effectiveness in the fight against mines. Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) acts as the only non-governmental organization specializing in demining in Croatia. Working with CROMAC, they assist in the implementation of internationally funded projects, which provides a comprehensive approach to the problem of mines.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) contributes to demining by collaborating with CROMAC and funding projects that contribute to the security and development of the region. In terms of current capacity, about 40 commercial organizations in Croatia provide demining using a variety of equipment.  In the Republic of Croatia, on the territory of 12 districts, there are about 921,253 people exposed to mine danger. This is approximately 43.2% of the population living in problematic areas with mine threats, or 20.8% of the total population of Croatia. These data highlight the dangers faced by a significant number of residents every day and the importance of the demining task during 2019.

Priorities in demining are the reconstruction of houses, transport and communal infrastructure, including power plants, the construction of highways and canals. Among the biggest problems of the economy is the mining of agricultural land, destroyed land and forests. Some of these lands are state-owned, and the state-owned land management program aims to improve agricultural production and use of EU programs before joining the European Union. However, there are problems, such as suboptimal capacity utilization and the need to adapt legislation to European standards. The Croatian Ministry of the Interior is currently working on a new Law on Mine Action, hoping to address existing shortcomings and improve the mine action system. The mine action system in Croatia is renowned for its efficiency and modernity, but there are challenges that need attention and improvement. The development of the National Mine Action Operator and cooperation with international partners are key factors for ensuring the security and development of Croatia.

An important step in the development of the mine action system in Croatia is the project of the Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC) - Test, Development and Training Centre (HCR-CTRO). This project includes the creation of two test sites for various methods of clearing soils from mines of different types. In addition, HCR-CTRO is the coordinator  of the NATO SPS project, which is developing a biological method involving bees for the detection of explosives. Cooperation with the universities of Zagreb, St. Andrews and Banja Luka allows the development of innovative methods and technologies for detecting mines and minefields using honey bees. Three are used in the process Various techniques: training bees to detect explosives, using polymer films as an explosive sensor, and visualizing bees over mines.

As of the end of 2022, there are 47 commercial companies accredited for demining in Croatia. Although there are agreed restrictions for non-governmental organizations to participate in commercial tenders, there are certain procedures, such as the participation of the Pioneer Company of the Engineer Regiment in demining military facilities. Regarding the Quality Assurance/Quality Control System (QA/QC) Croatian Mine Action Centre, it is developed according to three main stages: quality control, quality assurance and total quality management (TQM).

1. Quality Control:

- The quality control phase includes measures for control and quality determination in demining.

- The number of samples is determined for a reliable assessment of the level of quality throughout the demined area.

2. Quality Assurance:

- The quality assurance phase includes measures to maintain a high level of quality in all aspects of demining.

- Sampling plans are used to determine the acceptability of the demined area.

3. Total Quality Management (TQM):

- The Total Quality Management phase strives for continuous improvement and achievement of a high level of quality in the demined area.

 - The TQM  process involves continuous improvement of conditions to achieve high quality.

The implementation of the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)  concept in the quality control system has improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of demining operations. CROMAC adheres to international standards and principles of Total Quality Management to ensure the highest standards in its activities. The establishment of Regional Mine Action Coordination Bodies (RCMABs) in Croatia is an important step to strengthen coordination and cooperation between CROMAC and district authorities. The RCMAB acts as a key element that brings together all stakeholders involved in mine action in each county. Regular RCMAB meetings  have become an effective mechanism for exchanging information and coordinating efforts. At these meetings, CROMAC and RCMAB present general survey data, information on mine clearance, minefield marking, and other important aspects of mine action. This allows us to ensure cohesion of actions and the effectiveness of solving problems in the field of demining. RCMAB representatives are actively interacting with CROMAC, providing important information about the local situation, demining priorities and community demands. This interaction contributes to a balanced and visual approach to mine action problems in each region. With regard to prioritization, the types and functions of suspicious mines are taken into account. Priorities are determined for different categories, such as residential areas, infrastructure, commercial facilities, natural parks, and others. This approach allows you to efficiently allocate resources and focus on the most important tasks. An important step in addressing mine action problems in Croatia is the development of the CROMAC Decision Support System (DSS). This system plays a key role in better prioritizing and organizing demining activities. Its success can serve as an example for other humanitarian organizations involved in demining. It should be noted that mine action processes in Croatia are carefully planned to reduce the risk associated with mines and non-explosive remnants. The Humanitarian Demining Act sets high safety standards and specifies that work sites must be completely cleared of mines and non-explosive remnants. The introduction of  the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) concept contributes to ensuring effective quality control. Future efforts by CROMAC are aimed at achieving the complete elimination of the mine problem in Croatia.

Expanding demining priorities to areas of economic importance and improving humanitarian demining standards can serve as an example for the international community and help reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of demining operations, which is why it has become important for the UDS team to study the experience of Croatian issues, this affinity sees a multifaceted and long-term cooperation, within the framework of which the main goal is to bring war-contaminated lands back to life.