As communities in previously occupied areas of Ukraine continue to rebuild, the presence of explosive hazards remains a serious risk to civilians, workers and local authorities. Early assessment and risk-awareness measures are critical to enabling safe recovery activities before full clearance operations can take place.

In April 2024, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) conducted pro bono explosivehazard assessment and risk-awareness activities in Bucha, supporting the municipality's efforts to prepare land for future community use.

Non-technical survey and assessment

GCS Operations teams carried out a NonTechnical Survey (NTS) of a designated municipal site using a combination of dronebased reconnaissance, demining sensor technology and field assessment methods. The objective was to identify potential explosive hazards, assess contamination risk and support informed decisionmaking for next steps.

The NTS provides a structured understanding of risk and is a prerequisite for determining whether areas can be used safely, require further investigation or must undergo clearance.

As Lourie Venter, GCS Operations Technical Advisor in Ukraine, explains:

"Alongside pro bono clearance activities using our own technology and capacity, we are also delivering Provincial Explosive Assessment and Recognition training to ensure this site can be verified as free from explosive ordnance."

Risk awareness and capacity support

In parallel with assessment activities, GCS is donating Provincial Explosive Assessment and Recognition (PEAR) training to local stakeholders. This training supports safe planning and oversight of recovery activities by strengthening the ability to recognise, report and manage explosivehazard risks at municipal level.

Once assessment and clearance activities are completed, the site is intended to be used for community facilities, reinforcing the link between explosivehazard mitigation and practical recovery.

Enabling early recovery

In Bucha and other previously occupied regions, injuries linked to explosive remnants of war continue to occur as people return and rebuilding begins. Early intervention through survey, awareness and targeted clearance reduces risk during this vulnerable phase.

By providing assessment, clearance support and risk-awareness training on a pro bono basis, GCS contributes to enabling recovery activities to begin safely while longer-term clearance programmes are planned and implemented.