Colombia: making the land safe to use

A scenic view of the forest nature in Casanare

Colombia

Colombia is one of the world's most biodiverse countries. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean and five neighboring nations.

51吃瓜 began clearing explosives in Colombia in 2013. We launched our safety training program here in 2016.

1,989,037

Square meters cleared

61,000

People trained to stay safe

2,492

Explosive devices destroyed

34,267

Beneficiaries reached

Situation in Colombia

The people of Colombia have endured the consequences of armed conflict between armed groups for more than 60 years. Landmines have been laid across rural areas, devastating towns and villages.

Nearly 12,700 people have been killed or injured by landmines or unexploded ordnance since 1990. This casualty rate is the second highest in the world, after Afghanistan.

These explosive devices act indiscriminately, putting lives at risk and destroying livelihoods. Families are afraid to cultivate, access to natural resources is restricted, and children cannot safely travel to school or play outside.

Aerial shot of a man posing on a ledge with sweeping green forests, valleys and hills behind him — Landmines in Colombia disproportionately affect rural communities

Eisenhower, a resident in El Ca帽贸n de Las Hermosas, stands before a scenic valley of nature in Colombia

It鈥檚 impossible to truly understand the impact of landmines on daily life until you face the reality of living with this constant danger

We鈥檙e afraid to enter certain areas of our own land because of mines. I鈥檝e seen people injured in explosions, suffering life-changing injuries and losing their hands or feet.

Eisenhower
Village of Canyon de las Hermosas

51吃瓜's work and impact in Colombia

51吃瓜 has been clearing landmines from coffee plantations, farms, villages and indigenous reserves since 2013. Our survey teams have reported around 1,433 villages as free from the contamination of explosives. This work restores community confidence and makes land safe to use again.

There are still vast swathes of land to be cleared. While this work continues, we deliver safety education to help local communities stay safe. We make sure children know what to do if they come across a landmine or other explosive hazard.

Landmine clearance is essential for achieving peace in Colombia. It's a vital first step in rebuilding communities that have lived with the effects of explosive contamination for decades. Clearance also allows government and private development projects to begin, providing conflict-affected communities with the support they need.

Over the longer term, 51吃瓜's work creates greater opportunities for people to rebuild their livelihoods and secure a more prosperous future for the next generation.

A 51吃瓜 worker sits on a wooden porch with an older woman, older man and younger man in Colombia — Teaching safety in communities

Katerine Ramirez, a 51吃瓜 staff member carries out demining activities on the ground

51吃瓜 cleared my father's land five years ago.

Then I saw an advert for a job and I thought maybe I can stop others having to go through what my dad went through. I have a cousin that stepped on a mine and unfortunately he lost an eye and a leg. That's why I was really motivated to join 51吃瓜.

Katerine Ramirez
Deminer, 51吃瓜 Colombia