Celebrating 20 Years of Impact: ANAMA Visits

During the week of the International Day for Mine Action and Awareness (April 4), the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) was honored to host representatives from the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) at the MLI’s Virginia-based office in the United States to reflect on past successes and explore future opportunities to expand our partnership. The discussions underscored the critical need to maintain momentum in mine clearance efforts, as landmines continue to pose significant risks to civilians in Azerbaijan.

Delegates from ANAMA, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the US, and the Marshall Legacy Institute gather for a meeting at the MLI office.

The visit commemorated a milestone—20 years of lifesaving partnership between MLI and ANAMA—and helped raise critical awareness for landmine clearance efforts in Azerbaijan. Since 2004, MLI has donated 93 highly trained Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs) to ANAMA. These incredible animals, sponsored by American citizens and private donors, have helped clear over 73 million square meters of mine-contaminated land, benefiting more than 15,300 Azerbaijani citizens. These “hero dogs” work side-by-side with their human handlers to sniff out landmines and other remnants of war, allowing them to be safely removed.

Elise Becker speaks at the UN Event in NYC.

“The dogs, working hand in paw with their human handlers, directly save lives, spare limbs, and improve the quality of life for innocent people living, working, traveling through, and going to school in areas in or near minefields,” said Elise Becker, MLI’s Executive Director, in remarks delivered at a UN event

in New York.

This year, MLI will donate its 100th MDD to ANAMA, marking a major achievement in a partnership that exemplifies the power of international cooperation and citizen engagement in humanitarian action.

To further raise awareness and garner international support, MLI leaders joined ANAMA in several key events:

In New York, Elise Becker met with the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations and the Center of Analysis of International Relations, where she praised Azerbaijan’s commitment to mine clearance and the remarkable transformation of formerly mined regions like Zangilan:

“In formerly mined areas in the Zangilan Region, where landmines once littered the earth and the landscape was in ruins, communities are rebuilding... with new homes and fully rebuilt villages.”

Elise Becker joins ANAMA in New York to speak to the UN about the landmine issue in Azerbaijan.

In Washington, D.C., MLI’s Development and Communications Manager, Eden Slater, spoke at a photo exhibition and reception on Capitol Hill, titled Mine Action in Azerbaijan: Priorities and Challenges. The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, and advocates to raise awareness and support for Azerbaijan’s mine action priorities.

Eden Slater speaks at the Mine Action in Azerbaijan event on Capitol Hill.

The visit and related events received widespread media attention:

• Caliber.az: Azerbaijan’s Efforts to Eliminate Landmines Receive Boost from Marshall Heritage Institute

• News.az: Azerbaijan’s Humanitarian Mine Action Highlighted at UN

• AzerNews: Mine Action Agency of Azerbaijan Expands Ties in the US

As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, MLI reaffirms its commitment to a mine-free future in Azerbaijan—one dog, one donor, and one cleared square meter at a time.

“MLI looks forward to continuing our partnership with ANAMA to save and improve lives in Azerbaijan, and to working with ANAMA towards a mine-free future for Azerbaijan.” 

— Elise Becker