NPA launches Green Field Tool for Mine Action
How do you ensure your project doesn't harm the environment? How can NGOs and national authorities adapt to climate change and better support communities?
NPA has developed an innovative tool to easily assess the environmental impacts of our mine action work, together with our partner Environment and Conflict Observatory (CEOBS).
“Sensitive environments and fragile ecosystems are under increasing threat due to the nature and climate crisis. To be a relevant humanitarian actor and partner, we need to understand the environment and climate in the contexts we work in. We aimed to create an easy-to-use tool for our staff to identify risks and manage them effectively,” says Kristin Holme Obrestad, Special Advisor to Climate and Environment at NPA.
Many countries most impacted by climate change also face conflict, pollution, and biodiversity loss. During land release, NPA often works in sensitive or protected areas affected by extreme weather, desertification, and deforestation.
- The tool will be officially launched on Thursday 27th March, 12-13.15 PM CET. Sign up here:
NPA is recognized as a leader in the mine action sector for its environmental stewardship and proactive approach to protect the environment. Through policy, advocacy, development, and innovation, NPA has improved standards for environmental management, raised awareness, developed tools, and worked for stronger commitments from key stakeholders.
The tool is essential for limiting activities that may harm the environment and protecting the communities that rely on it. The Green Field Tool helps mine action operations staff to understand environmental sensitivities, plan better, and implement effective environmental management measures. It also educates users, raising awareness about environmental impacts and inform them on community needs.
The implementation of this tool empowers NPA humanitarian mine action programmes to adhere to the International Mine Action Standard 07.13, which focuses on environmental management and climate change in Mine Action. Furthermore, the versatility of this tool allows for its adaptation and application in supporting environmental management across various humanitarian initiatives beyond mine action.
“In NPA Vietnam, I trained our mine action operational staff on using the tool and understanding the connections between mine action work and the environment. Integrated into NPA's reporting system, the tool is easy to use. Feedback from our staff was very positive; they gained new and necessary skills, which are highly relevant as Vietnam faces significant climate challenges like flooding and landslides,” says Bui Doan Bach, former environmental coordinator in Vietnam, now supporting all NPA programs from head office.
The Green Field Tool brings environmental issues to the forefront of decision-making. By sharing this innovative tool and making it widely accessible, we aim to standardize environmental protection in the mine action sector.
“Environmental protection is essential for building resilience and reducing conflict. As a leading humanitarian mine action operator, we must address these issues. With this tool, we are setting a new standard for the entire sector. The tool will be launched on March 27th, and NPA programs will roll it out this year,” says Kristin Holme Obrestad.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Bui Doan Bach or Kristin Holme Obrestad.