Demining is a big job. If it is to be effective, the solution must be comprehensive.

Humanitarian Mine Action covers a broad range of disciplines:

• Data collection
• Surveying
• Marking off mine-infested areas
• Launching information campaigns
• Demining
• Removal and demolition of unexploded ordnance
• Helping mine victims
• Monitoring socio-economic effects after clearance

A systematic search
Humanitarian demining is best described as a systematic search for the devices and their removal. This methodical approach is absolutely necessary because the extent, distribution and consequences of the mines problem is very rarely mapped. In other words we have to identify and define the problem before we devise a solution. We have to compile data not only about mine accidents, minefields and areas polluted by unexploded ordnance, but also of socio-economic factors about each local community. That is how we make the best decisions.

Where do we act?
When we have established a clear picture of the problem, we have to prioritise our working area and base our selection criteria on:

• The socio-economic value of the cleared area
• The number of accidents that have occurred

In determining socio-economic values we use a "pyramid of needs" model. Areas intended for habitation top the list. Next come those areas necessary to sustain life e.g. access to water, farming and grazing lands. Our third priority is infrastructure in a broad sense.

This procedure, however, is seldom unambiguous, and there are often competing considerations. For example, clearing a minefield may result in an important road being reopened, having a positive socio-economic effect for the country as a whole. However local communities in the area may not necessarily benefit from a cleared road. Naturally we have to take onboard requests from local and national authorities, and sometimes we're faced with the difficulty of explaining to a local population why we've cleared one area that may be important in the future, while another field that claims victims lies untouched.