UK Government Allocates $2.17 Million for Mine Clearance in Cambodia to Boost Economic Growth
The UK government has announced a funding package of £1.6 million ($2.17 million) to support mine clearance and explosive ordnance risk education in Cambodia. This initiative, revealed at the residence of British ambassador Dominic Williams, aims to enhance public safety and reduce the risks posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO). The funding will be channeled through three organizations: HALO Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and APOPO. The program is expected to clear approximately 890,300 square meters of land and deliver over 4,000 explosive ordnance risk education sessions to more than 44,000 people. The clearance work will directly benefit over 5,000 Cambodians, improving access to land for farming, housing, local businesses, and infrastructure projects. This initiative is part of Cambodia's broader economic development strategy, particularly in rural provinces where safe and usable land is crucial for agriculture, logistics, industrial expansion, and community development.