The Issue
After intense periods of conflict since 2011, explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Libya pose threats to lives and hinder reconstruction, development, and stabilization endeavors. Explosive remnants of war obstruct critical infrastructure projects like schools, medical facilities, and utilities, as well as disrupt agricultural activities on contaminated farmland. Clearing ERW, particularly from rural areas and farmland, is essential not only for safety but also to address the global food emergency by facilitating local food production and enhancing community resilience.
The Project
The project prioritizes the clearance of mines and ERW to ensure the safety of civilians, enable the resumption of activities like agriculture and to facilitate the return of land and infrastructure to productive socio-economic use, fostering local development and stability. Additionally, explosive ordnance risk education public education campaigns raise awareness about the risks posed by mines and explosive remnants of war, empowering individuals to stay safe and avoid accidents. Additionally, working with the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC), the project has a strong focus on securing ordnance, in former ammunition storage areas. In addition, the clearance of land contaminated by ERW contributes to a broad range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) including SDG 1: No Poverty (prioritizing vulnerable communities and restoring access to livelihoods), SDG 2: Zero Hunger (leasing land for farming), SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being (reducing casualties), SDG 4: Quality Education (clearing schools and access routes), SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (creating safe access for the reconnection of proper utility supply), SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (improving safe access to restore public infrastructure), SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities (ensuring inclusion of marginalized groups), SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (enabling reconstruction), SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (promoting safe disposal and environmental protection), SDG 13: Climate Action (enhancing land restoration and resilience), and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (strengthening coordination with national stakeholders).
The Change
This project aims to improve human safety via survey and clearance of ERW and the provision of explosive ordnance risk education. It aims to create real impact by linking humanitarian work to development projects and contributing to stability in Libya. DCA’s survey and clearance work will accelerate reconstruction, increase access to healthcare and education and public utilities and ensure agricultural land is safe for farming, ultimately enhance community safety and enhancing well-being.
The Results
Since the project began on 1 November 2023 and until September 2025, the following results have been achieved:
- More than 2 million square meters of land have been surveyed, declared safe and returned to local communities for socioeconomic use, benefitting more than 50,000 men, women, boys, and girls.
- More than 7,700 items of ERW have been removed or destroyed and no longer pose a threat to residents of Tripoli.
- More 550 explosive ordnance risk education sessions conducted, benefitting more than 17,000 men, women, boys, and girls.
About this project
- Project title: Fostering Stabilization and Economic Development in Libya through Integrated Mine Action
- Period: 1 November 2023 – 31 January 2027
- # of people reached by end of project (expected): 90,600
- Donor: United States Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA)
