Cooperation in demining
After the war, Quang Tri province was heavily contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance, affecting a wide area and presenting a high level of complexity. This situation directly impacted the security of the population, agricultural and forestry production, poverty reduction, and socio-economic development, with about 620,000 contaminated hectares. In the southern part of Quang Tri (formerly part of Quang Tri province), around 390,000 hectares were contaminated by landmines, representing over 81% of the total area of the province; the northern part of Quang Tri (formerly part of Quang Binh province) still had about 230,000 contaminated hectares, over 25% of the total area of the province.
The war has long ended, but unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains an important factor affecting socio-economic activities, particularly population safety. For example, on October 31, 2025, in Le Xuyen village, Nam Cua Viet commune, residents heard a loud explosion coming from a field just 5 meters from their homes. This explosion was caused by a landmine from the war. A large crater formed on the site. Upon receiving the information, the provincial Center for Demining of Quang Tri dispatched agents from its field intervention team to gather information and manage the situation.
Quang Tri was the first locality in the country authorized by the government to cooperate with international organizations in demining projects (in 1996). The American organization Peace Trees Vietnam (PTVN) was the first to obtain approval to carry out demining and post-war prevention measures. Thirty years later, dozens of foreign non-governmental organizations funded Quang Tri province to carry out demining and prevention projects, including NPA (Norwegian People’s Aid in Vietnam), MAG (Mines Advisory Group in Vietnam), PTVN (Peace Trees Vietnam), and RENEW.
According to representatives of the People’s Committee of Phong Nha commune, demining work conducted by the Norwegian People’s Aid Authority (NPA) in the region not only helps locate and neutralize hundreds of dangerous explosive devices and demine agricultural lands but also ensures the safety of residents and offers them the opportunity to develop their livelihoods in the long term.
Close Context: The article covers the efforts in demining unexploded ordnance in Quang Tri province, Vietnam. It highlights the challenges, accomplishments, and future objectives related to this crucial task.
Fact Check: The content includes factual information about demining activities, organizations involved, and the impact of unexploded ordnance on local communities. Photographs are used to depict the demining process and its outcomes.
