Innovative demining: drone surveys accelerate clearance operations

The profession of deminer has officially appeared in Ukraine. The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine ensured the inclusion of the profession of deminer in the National Classifier of Professions, which formalises and legitimises the work of thousands of mine action specialists in the country.

"This is a truly historic decision. For the first time in Ukraine's history, the profession of deminer has been officially recognised at the state level. This means that thousands of people who daily risk their lives clearing Ukrainian land of mines and explosive ordnance now have their profession officially recognised," said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The official recognition of the profession opens up new opportunities for specialists: the ability to officially formalise labour relations, access to social guarantees and insurance, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and obtaining qualifications recognised at the national level.

"Previously, deminers worked under other professional titles, which created difficulties in formalising labour relations, obtaining insurance, and accessing social guarantees. Now this problem has been resolved," explained the Deputy Minister.

The recognition of the profession also opens the way for creating standardised educational programmes, certification systems, and professional standards for deminers. The Ministry is working on developing appropriate regulatory documents.

"This is an important step in building a sustainable mine action sector in Ukraine. When a profession is officially recognised, it becomes attractive for new specialists, and existing workers receive the recognition and protection they deserve," emphasised Bezkaravainyi.