Headquarters in Phnom Penh, His Excellency Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), and Mr. Hans Peter Risser, Country Director of Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) in Cambodia, presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on capacity development and partnership on mine and explosive detection dogs. This MoU serves as a vital operational framework for 2026, focusing on sustainable institutional capacity development, particularly in the field of mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection dogs, in alignment with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). Through this cooperation, NPA will provide in-depth technical support for human resource development, including specialized training courses for dog instructors, team leaders, and puppy trainers to strengthen training quality from the initial stages.

Alongside technical canine work, both parties have placed high importance on modernizing information management and reporting systems through ArcGIS, SharePoint, and Dashboard technologies to ensure high transparency and efficiency in mine clearance operations. Additionally, NPA will supply various essential operational materials and training equipment, including collars, leashes, crates, and training toys, to support daily training activities at the CMAC Dog Centre. On this auspicious occasion, the Director General of CMAC expressed his high appreciation for the excellent cooperation with NPA, which has consistently provided both technical and material support in the spirit of partnership. His Excellency Heng Ratana further stated: "Today, we have transformed a foreign-led initiative into a point of national pride through achieving successful self-breeding of dogs. It is an achievement for a self-sustaining future where 'Khmer Can Do' means Cambodia is ready to export our expertise and mine/UXO detection dogs to help the whole world."

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Hans Peter Risser confirmed that he felt deeply honored to sign the MoU today, which demonstrates a partnership with CMAC dating back to 2003. Through years of joint technical and skills training, CMAC has built a strong foundation of excellence, and NPA looks forward to a future where they will purchase detection dogs directly from Cambodia. This project, which will be implemented from March 01 until December 31, 2026, not only strengthens current technical capabilities but also reflects a long-term vision for research and innovation to respond to the National Mine Action Strategic Plan, aiming to achieve the goal of a mine-free Cambodia in the near future.

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