This grant will allow MAG to clear approximately 320,000m² of priority land for community use over a 12 months period, thus:
- Supporting post-conflict rehabilitation and improving the livelihood security of Remnants of Conflict (RoC) affected communities.
- Reducing the threat of death and injury posed by RoC to target groups
- Strengthening the relationship between MAG and Lebanon Mine Action Centre (LMAC)
Christina Bennike, MAG’s Country Programme Manager, sincerely acknowledged the award of the new grant provided by the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to clear dangerous Remnants of Conflict, including cluster submunitions, leftover from the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, and added that the grant contributes to the economic recovery of southern Lebanon and the reduction of civilian casualties.
As of 6 October 2008, the Mine Action Coordination Center South Lebanon (MACC SL) estimates that 1590 Minefields, 1015 Dangerous Areas, and 709 Mine Areas remain uncleared.
Lebanon Mine Action Centre (LMAC) of the Government of Lebanon assumed all operation coordination responsibilities from the MACC SL starting in January 2009. This coincided with a severe funding shortage for mine- and cluster-bomb-clearance organizations working in southern Lebanon. Accordingly, donors’ continuous and responsible support at this stage is essential.