As communities in previously occupied areas begin rebuilding, the ability to identify, assess and report explosive hazards safely is critical not only for deminers, but also for those responsible for managing civilian activity on contaminated land.

In March 2024, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) delivered a Provincial Explosive Assessment and Reporting (PEAR) training programme in Ukraine, designed specifically for provincial and municipal leaders responsible for overseeing field personnel working in affected areas.

Supporting safe decisionmaking at local level

The PEAR programme was developed to provide practical protocols for authorities managing teams such as first responders, forestry workers and local guards, who operate in environments where landmines and explosive remnants of war may still be present.

Drawing on decades of combined experience in demining, EOD, IEDD and range clearance, GCS tailored the training to Ukraine's operational realities, including terrain, land use patterns and the constraints of working during an ongoing conflict.

Rather than focusing on clearance execution, the programme equips participants to recognise indicators of explosive contamination, assess and prioritise risk at provincial level, report findings accurately to relevant clearance authorities and support safe planning of civilian and reconstruction activities.

Practical tools for field coordination

The most recent course was attended by 48 participants, who received training materials alongside practical tools to support their work. Each participant was provided with GPS devices and a tablet preloaded with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

These tools enable consistent reporting, mapping and communication with GCS specialists while participants carry out executive and coordination tasks in the field.

Tailored training for Ukraine's needs

Standardised training programmes often fail to reflect the specific conditions under which local authorities operate. The PEAR programme is designed as a customised solution, adapted to Ukraine's environment and administrative structures, ensuring that knowledge can be applied immediately and effectively.

The project was supported by DEG Impulse as part of the develoPPP programme, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Enabling safer recovery

By strengthening assessment and reporting capability at provincial level, the PEAR programme complements clearance operations by reducing exposure to risk during early recovery and reconstruction phases.

Through targeted training, digital tools and continued advisory support, GCS contributes to creating safer conditions for communities, field workers and local authorities as rebuilding efforts progress across affected regions of Ukraine.