On November 25-26, representatives of the “Atom” Charitable Foundation took part in the National Conference on Underwater Demining “Depth of Safety,” which was held for the first time in Ukraine with the participation of state institutions, international partners, expert organizations, technology manufacturers, and mine action operators.
Participants exchanged experiences, analyzed global practices, and developed solutions that will allow Ukraine to create a systematic approach to underwater demining.
On the first day, at a special site under real conditions, we were shown modern equipment from foreign and domestic manufacturers that can be used to clear water areas of mines and explosive objects: underwater and surface drones, 3D sonars, surface platforms, etc.
All technologies were tested in real water conditions. This format allowed participants not only to see new developments but also to evaluate their effectiveness directly in operation.
Following the conference, participants decided to create 5 specialized interdepartmental working groups tasked with jointly solving the main problems of the underwater demining sector.
For our foundation, as a certified mine action operator for water area demining, participation in these processes is extremely important.
One of our tasks is to make water areas safe again, because they are a critical part of the country’s infrastructure and life. Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and sea areas contaminated with mines and explosive remnants pose a direct threat to people, ecosystems, navigation, the fishing industry, and the economic recovery of regions.
Therefore, clearing water bodies is not only a technical task but also a strategic step towards the full recovery of the state, its economy, and security.
We thank the organizers, the Main Department of Mine Action, Civil Protection and Environmental Safety of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, for the invitation, and we are confident that the creation of our own national standards for underwater demining, taking into account international practices that will meet modern challenges, will be an important step towards faster clearance of water areas from explosive objects and environmental restoration.
