MLI in Azerbaijan: Clearing the Way for a Safer Future
The Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) recently wrapped up an impactful week in Baku, Azerbaijan. Led by MLI Executive Director, Elise Becker Burdette, and Programs Director, Indre Sabaliunaite, this trip allowed MLI to strengthen critical global partnerships and directly advance international humanitarian demining efforts.
For more than two decades, MLI has maintained a strong partnership with Azerbaijan as they work to clear their land from the devastating legacy of landmines. This recent visit provided a powerful reminder of how far this partnership has come—and how much hope lies ahead.
4th Annual ANAMA Conference
A highlight of the visit came at the fourth annual Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) International Mine Action Conference, where Elise participated as a featured panelist alongside international demining experts.
During the panel, “Technology and Innovation for Safer and More Effective Humanitarian Demining,” Elise discussed the role of innovation in strengthening demining operations. She also highlighted Azerbaijan’s evolution from a country that once relied heavily on international assistance to one that has developed significant national demining expertise.
“It is about fostering knowledge, strengthening institutions and ultimately ensuring national ownership and self-reliance. I believe Azerbaijan serves as an excellent example of this evolution,” Elise said.
ANAMA’s MDD teams line up in Horadiz MDD Rex with his handler MDD Roy with his handler
MLI has maintained its partnership with ANAMA since 2005. With support from generous donors and partners, MLI has donated more than 100 Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs) to ANAMA over the past five years, helping teams identify landmines and return contaminated land to communities.
Seeing Our Mission in Action
During their visit in Azerbaijan, Elise and Indre and a group of distinguished donors also visited an active demining site, where they saw MLI-trained Mine Detection Dogs and their handlers working in the field. Pictured on the right are ANAMA's MDDs lined up in Horadiz, MDD Rex with his handler entering the field, and MDD Roy celebrating ajob well done with his handler.
During the visit, the MLI team met with ANAMA and the Global Training Academy and witnessed a controlled detonation of three landmines that the demining team had located. Seeing the process firsthand provided a powerful look at the skill, coordination and dedication required to safely clear contaminated land.
The site visit demonstrated the important role MDDs and their handlers play in humanitarian demining. Working closely with their handlers, the dogs use their highly trained sense of smell to help locate landmines and support teams as they clear land for safe community use.
For MLI, seeing these teams at work reinforced the impact of its partnership with ANAMA and the importance of continued investment in trained dogs, handlers, and demining efforts.
Looking Ahead
MLI’s relationship with Azerbaijan continues to grow. In September, MLI donated new MDDs to ANAMA, with additional dogs scheduled to arrive later this fall. These dogs will join the country’s demining teams and contribute to ongoing efforts to make contaminated land safe for communities.
Seeing the combined efforts of our dedicated handlers, expertly trained MDDs, and partners firsthand reinforces the work we do, and inspires us to continue our humanitarian work and demining efforts to create a safer future.
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