In March 2008, the Government of Japan and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) formed a partnership to clear the mines and other ERW in order to preserve the region’s cultural heritage and to allow the development of the area for tourism, stimulating the local economy.

The Mine Action Coordination Centre of Afghanistan (MACCA) was responsible for coordinating these activities in partnership with UNESCO. UNOPS provides programme management, procurement and human resources support to MACCA.

The Buddhas of Bamiyan

The Bamiyan valley is situated in central Afghanistan, 230 kilometres northwest of Kabul. Bamiyan is an area of stunning natural beauty and is synonymous with the ancient Buddhas of Bamiyan, two large sculptures that were carved out of the sandstone cliffs in the 6th century which dominated the landscape at heights up to 53 metres.

In 2001, the statues were destroyed by the Taliban however the site remains archaeologically and historically significant enough to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The site was heavily contaminated by mines and the explosive remnants of war (ERW) this was a contributing factor that led UNESCO to classify the site as endangered in 2003.

Demining the contaminated areas

In the first phase of the operation completed in 2008, the inhabited areas of Bamiyan were cleared of hazards, village by village. The second phase of the operation focused on the four historical areas within the World Heritage site that were contaminated. A slow, cautious approach was needed as some areas were in the vicinity of the Buddha site.

The manual demining teams were supported by mine dog teams, mechanical demining units and Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists. Deminers working in the historical areas were provided with specialist training by UNESCO archaeologists. The archaeologists were in turn provided with special landmine safety training enabling them to work in partnership with the demining teams.

By September 2009, the teams had successfully cleared all of the contaminated areas. The total area made safe from mines and ERW in the World Heritage locations was 445,916 square metres and included the safe disposal of 14 anti-personnel mines and 7,380 ERW.

Successes

The completion of the clearance operation was ahead of schedule in spite of the slow, careful pace necessary. The operation also unearthed a variety of historical artifacts including bracelets, ancient coins and pottery and other significant ornaments. The demining teams collected and put in sample bags any historical objects that were discovered and their careful touch was praised by the UNESCO archaeologists.

The items discovered during the operation are currently being archived and assessed. UNESCO and MACCA hope to display these artifacts in the future as part a special collection in the planned Bamiyan museum.