In response to the critical funding deficit in the area of mine action in Ukraine, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released a comprehensive report titled “Enhancing Funding for Mine Action in Ukraine.” This report, prepared with the support of the governments of the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, proposes new financial solutions to advance the national mine action strategy.
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Urgent Need for Funding
According to the results of a Rapid Needs Assessment, the total funding required for mine action exceeds $34 billion.
Innovative Financial Solutions
The UNDP report presents two key solutions: Sustainable Development Bonds (SDB) and results-oriented Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Sustainable Development Bonds will help align mine action efforts with Ukraine’s transition to sustainable agriculture, particularly through organic winter wheat cultivation and zero-tillage practices. In turn, PPP aims to integrate the demining process with the development of solar energy.
Comments from UNDP and the Government
“UNDP aims to implement innovative solutions that meet urgent needs while contributing to the long-term sustainable development goals of Ukraine,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, Yaсo Cilliers, during the report presentation. He emphasized that combining mine action with sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy can support Ukraine’s economic recovery and resilience.
Government Plans for Land Clearance
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yuliya Svyrydenko, added that the government is working to reduce land clearance costs, including through the establishment of a demining market and the use of modern technologies.
The Scale of the Problem
The report’s authors, Chris Lafran and Camilla Wallen, highlighted the magnitude of the issue: “This gap cannot be filled with conventional means. The combination of mine action and sustainable development in Ukraine has immense potential.”
Next Steps
According to the report, the next steps should involve a detailed sector diagnosis and project analysis with the involvement of interdisciplinary project teams. This will require collaboration between the government, investors, financial institutions, and stakeholders from the mine action, energy, and agriculture sectors.
Engaging the Private Sector
By engaging the private sector, the proposed SDB and PPP models aim to meet Ukraine’s strategic needs in mine action, energy, and agriculture while promoting economic recovery. The report also emphasizes the need for strong political support and detailed planning to assure investors of the potential benefits.
Importance of Further Diagnosis
The study calls for further sector diagnostics and interdisciplinary cooperation for the full implementation of these financial solutions.
Conclusion
This report was prepared by UNDP at the request of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine from April to September 2024. Its goal was to explore a wide range of innovative financing options and identify models that can be effectively proposed to support mine action in Ukraine.
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