Arriving in Baku, Azerbaijan appears to be a thriving modern place nestled against the Caspian Sea. However, driving into the countryside reveals a wide, unique landscape changing from desert hills to wide fields, to lush green mountains with small villages, farms, and vineyards tucked into the gorgeous Caucasus Mountain landscape. Tragically, hidden just below the surface of the soil, the deadly threat of landmines garner much of this beautiful and fertile land unsafe and unusable.
This spring, the Marshall Legacy Institute's Programs Director Indre Sabaliunaite and Development and Communications Manager Eden Slater traveled to Azerbaijan for "The 3rd International Conference on Mine Action." During their trip, they made a special visit to Horadiz, a small town on the border of Iran and home to a large training base for the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA). ANAMA has been an important mine-action partner of MLI since 2005 and the recipient of over 81 donated mine detection dogs (MDDs) and explosive detection dogs (EDDs). With 41 MLI-sponsored MDDs arriving over the last three years, ANAMA utilizes the Horadiz base to house, acclimate, and train their K9 capacity.
Eden and Indre were honored to not only see the MDD training fields but also meet 17 MLI-donated MDDs and their handlers. Returning from a hard day's work, Eden and Indre had the opportunity to interview each of the handlers, learning about their dogs' temperament and work ethic. It was rewarding to see the amazing bond formed between the MDDs and handlers. When a new pack of MDDs arrives, ANAMA allows a socialization period between the dogs and the handlers so that they can pair handlers with MDDs who best fit their personalities and temperaments. This practice helps ensure the effectiveness of the MDD Team and promotes happiness and affection between the K9 and their human handler.
Meet the MDDs! Eden and Indre interviewed each handler to learn more about what makes their dog special:
Photo 1: MDD Tina is the first dog to work with her handler Brazil. She is playful, loves her ball, and has a great work ethic.
Photo 2: MDD Koki is a good-natured dog with lots of energy! She was even picked to do the demonstartion at the confernce in Zangilan.
Photo 3: MDD Birinci is a shy dog sponsored by the United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce and the Laura J. Niles Fundation. She works well with her easy tempered handler, Ohan.
Photo 4: MDD Rambo-Pat, named in honor of Pat Patierno has a strong bond with his handler. He is very playful and can do many tricks! He was also picked to do a demonstration at the conference in Zangilan!
Photo 5: MDD Jaqui was sponsored by Stephen and Jaqui Edelmann. She is a shy girl and very spunky. Her handler Osef's kind spirit eases her nervous energy, making them a great team.
Photo 6: MDD Rosa was the first dog from her group to receive her accreditation to mine action standards. She and her handler Ohan are one of the leading teams!
After learning about the individual dogs, Eden and Indre joined the Mine Acton Conference at the newly built conference center in the mine-impacted Zangilan Region. Driving into Zangilan, they were blown away by the ANAMA's progress in the region, watching as the landscape went from landmine-riddled land to ruins, to cleared land, to the construction of new homes, and on to fully reconstructed villages!
Using a series of mine-removal techniques, including machines, mine detection dogs, human deminers, and even rats, ANAMA has cleared massive swaths of land, rebuilding homes, schools, and businesses to move in citizens displaced during the 2020 Karabakh War. The direct human impact of landmine removal is staggering, and the MLI staff were awed to see the incredible difference demining is making for the people of Zangilan, thanks in part to MLI-donated MDDs.
As part of the conference, Eden and Indre visited one of the newly built villages, where they watched schoolchildren perform a traditional dance and shopped at a newly established market. They also visited a beautifully built Mosque, nestled next to the ruins of an ancient holly building destroyed during the conflict. The day wrapped up with a demining demonstration, featuring a mine detection rat, manual deminer, machine, and MLI sponsored MDDs Koki and Rambo-Pat!
In addition to the Zangilan visit, the Mine Action Conference included excellent presentations on the global impact of landmines on both people and the environment, methods and ideas for mine removal, and conversations on combating the current and future impacts of landmines.
Eden and Indre are grateful to ANAMA for including MLI in this influential conference where they made meaningful connections and gained invaluable knowledge of MLI's place in the larger movement to create a mine-free Azerbaijan.
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