Part I, Strategic Management for Mine Action Operations: A Case for Government-Industry Partnering

Directed mainly at policy makers and leaders in mine-plagued nations and government and non-government mine action planners, the article argues for holistic mine action strategies, coordinated priorities, and best management practices. The authors establish the need for nations to take charge of their mine action organizations and present strategic management methodology to implement self-determination concepts. They insist that humanitarian demining must start with the end in mind, an integrated and nationally prioritized requirements analysis of each of the mine action areas-mine awareness, mine field assessment and surveys, mine and UXO clearance, victim assistance and information management. They also suggest that nations should consider reconstruction and development programs, as well as mine action, when contemplating resource mobilization. With nationally prioritized programs, and mine action centers managed by host nation-dedicated general managers, nation\u27s can expect to achieve optimum resource allocation and, most importantly, to look after their people as a first priority. The author\u27s recommend that nations look to industry for dedicated, first tier mine action program managers