Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic (the) Source: Mines Advisory Group Today, MAG signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for the latest phase of ongoing projects helping clear unexploded ordnance contamination in Khammouane province, Laos.The signing ceremony took place in Vientiane and was signed by Mr. Bounpheng Sisavath, Director General of the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector in Laos, and Eli Mechanic, MAG Country Director.The UK Ambassador, Ms. Melanie Barlow, Vice Provincial Governor of Khammouane province, Ph.D. Somsaart Ounsida, and representatives also attended the event.The MOUs mark the latest phase of three projects in Khammouane:Unexploded ordnance clearance in Khammouane Province, Phase VII – funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.Clearing cluster munition and unexploded ordnance in Khammouane Province, Phase VII – funded by the Freeman Foundation (USA)Emergency response for explosive ordnance in Khammouane Province – funded by Michael Ambler/Restoration Laos (USA)These projects will be implemented in four districts: Boualapha, Gnommalath, Mahaxay, and Xaybouathong, until 31st March 2026.Their primary goal is to conduct unexploded ordnance survey and clearance operations to support development and agriculture in areas affected by contamination in Khammouane.The UK-funded activities will be carried out in three districts, Boualapha, Gnommalath, and Mahaxay districts, aiming to clear contamination by conducting technical survey, area clearance, explosive ordnance disposal spot tasks, and risk education sessions as well as capacity building of local authorities.The Freeman Foundation-funded work will take place in Boualapha and Gnommalath districts, making land safe and free from dangerous remnants of war.The emergency response will happen in all four districts and a team will respond to every dangerous item reported by members of communities.In accordance to the additional funding from the donors for the implementation of all activities across target areas in Khammouane province, the combined budget for the new phase of activities is US$1,109,124.During the ceremony, Mr. Bounpheng Sisavath said: “The three projects and one activity plan approved by the government to be implemented in Khammouane province are crucial in continuing the implementation to resolve the UXO contamination, and as well as supporting the achievement of the indicators regarding the Khammouane provincial socio-economic development plan, and they also support the work of the Lao PDR government in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 18 and contributing to the implementation of the national strategy on resolving unexploded ordnance, all of which will promote the safety of people's livelihoods and production from unexploded ordnance.”Ph.D. Somsaart Ounsida said: “For more than 30 years, MAG has been seeking funding from various donors to support the unexploded ordnance clearance activities in Khammouane province.” Furthermore, he also highlighted that the support from the donors has significantly contributed to sustainable development, and infrastructure development both provincial and district levels.MAG Country Director in Laos, Eli Mechanic, shared his appreciation, stating: “We work in close coordination with the Lao government in planning and operations to support their development priorities."Today, we are gathered together to celebrate additional funding for Khammouane. I am particularly grateful to FCDO and the UK, represented by her excellency, the Ambassador, as well as the Michael Ambler and Freeman Foundations for their support of operations in Khammouane, which is among the most contaminated by unexploded ordnance in Laos yet receives much less support than other provinces.”Melanie Barlow said on behalf of the UK government: “The UK is proud to be part of this work and it’s my honour to be here today to witness the signing of the MOUs and to wish our partners all the best in continuing this vital task.”This support is significant for promoting and advancing unexploded ordnance clearance efforts in Laos, particularly, Khammouane province, where the contamination has long impacted the livelihood and safety of local communities for decades.MAG, on behalf of the local communities it serves, would like to express sincere gratitude to the donors for the additional funds and the meaningful commitment to help clear explosive and dangerous items, and restore safe land.