Minderoo commits $5m for Ukraine demining

Minderoo Foundation has pledged $5 million towards demining agricultural land in Ukraine, adding to its support for the war-torn country.

The funds are expected to aid the Ukraine demining program, which uses satellite imagery to map, survey and clear mined land.

Its run by the World Food Programme and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.

The announcement comes days after the Ukraine war reached its second anniversary, entering a third year of conflict.

Minderoo - founded by Andrew and Nicola Forrest - said the project would prioritise farmers in certain areas who could no longer cultivate land due to suspected or confirmed contamination of land mines. 

The philanthropic foundation said the $5 million commitment added to its support for Ukraine totalling almost $14 million, including $3 million worth of generators for civilians to access emergency power.

Minderoo Foundation chair Andrew Forrest said nearly 1 million people in Ukraine’s agricultural sector had lost their livelihoods as a result of Russia’s invasion.

He said they were unable to return to their land until it was safe.

“Coming from a long line of farmers and pastoralists, my family and I know how important it is for these people to get back on their land and do what they do best,” Mr Forrest said.

“Ukraine’s agricultural sector is vital to global food supply and is the largest supplier of wheat for World Food Programme’s famine relief programs, meaning the resumption of farming is critical for many people around the globe.”

Minderoo Foundation co-chair Mrs Forrest said Ukraine was now the most heavily mined country in the world, ahead of Afghanistan and Syria.

“An area two-and-a-half times the size of Tasmania is now estimated to be contaminated with deadly land mines and unexploded ordinance, or 25 per cent of Ukraine’s landmass,” she said.

“A large portion of these land mines are in prime agricultural land whose continued presence is a hindrance to investment, food security and an endangerment to human life.

“Minderoo’s support will save lives and livelihoods.”

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko thanked Minderoo and said assistance should not be exclusively in the realm of foreign aid or governments.

He urged other donors to assist Ukraine “in her hour of need”.

“Philanthropy and business have a key part to play in the Ukraine recovery,” Mr Myroshnychenko said.

“This is the kind of thing which citizens around the world can do. Citizens must stand up to tyranny with what they have.”