Map of Mine Situation Available for Public Use
25/05/2010
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BH MAC in cooperation with the UNDP’s Integrated Mine Action Programme (IMAP) hosted a press conference in BH MAC premises in order to present to the public the new Mine Action Information System – MAIS. MAIS is a web application that clearly outlines all known mined areas, areas suspect of mine contamination and areas cleared of mines. Besides benefiting the mine action community this interactive minefield map increases public awareness as it will be available on BHMAC’s website and will be constantly updated to provide a thorough description of the mine situation in BiH.
At the press conference Dusan Gavran, Director of BH MAC, noted that number of mine victims is decreasing every year and the fact is that today most persons killed are aged 20-45 years who go to cut wood and collect the material. Mr. Gavran stated that today presented new data base of BHMAC will enable connection of eight regional offices and two offices in BIH with all information arriving into one place. There will be a whole picture of mine situation at one place at all time. The need for this system was present for a long time but it was only until few donors through UNDP secured US$ 250,000 that this system became reality. In the end he thanked the donors and UNDP and noted that by the end of the year the system will be in full function.
Mr. Armin Sirco, Assistant Resident Representative for Programme of UNDP in BiH emphasized that mine action is one of the priorities since, besides human security, it affects economy, tourism and overall image of the country. Mr. Sirco also stated that construction and implementation of MAIS is made possible by financing from the UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
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