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Mine Detection Dog Center – Leading Bosnia and Herzegovina Toward a Mine-Free Future
Nearly three decades after the war, landmines remain one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) most enduring legacies. Around 826 square kilometers of territory—1.6% of the country—are still suspected of contamination with landmines or unexploded ordnance (UXO), spanning over 18,000 kilometers of hazardous areas. These dangers affect roughly 800,000 residents and directly threaten 130,000 people in 1,398 communities. Since the conflict’s end, 1,781 mine- or UXO-related accidents have been recorded, tragically claiming 624 lives.
Landmines do more than threaten lives: they block farmers from using their fields, halt infrastructure projects, and slow social and economic recovery. Yet, progress is being made. The Land Release approach—focusing clearance on confirmed hazardous areas—has reduced costs, accelerated clearance, and returned safe land to communities more quickly. normalcy efforts.
A Local Organization with Global Reach
At the forefront of this effort is the Mine Detection Dog Center (MDDC), a BiH-based NGO founded in 2003 with U.S. government support. MDDC is internationally recognized for its highly trained mine detection dog (MDD) teams, land release operations, mine risk education, and support for survivors.
Dogs trained in BiH now serve worldwide, saving lives in some of the most mine-affected regions on earth.
Over two decades, MDDC’s impact has expanded to 11 other countries, from Lebanon and Afghanistan to Angola and Iraq. Dogs trained in BiH now serve worldwide, saving lives in some of the most mine-affected regions on earth.
Achievements That Transform Communities
500+ service dogs trained and deployed nationally and internationally
40+ million square meters of land released across 29 projects
Direct assistance to 350+ mine victims, including custom prosthetics
Mine Free Sarajevo (2021): 6.5 million square meters cleared, making the capital mine-impact free
Mine Free Mostar (2023): Hodbina area cleared, allowing the city’s urban zone to be declared mine-impact free
Contributions to Ilidža, Kreševo, and Fojnica, with ongoing efforts in Vitez and Novi Travnik
The first Land Release project implemented in the region took place in Serbia and was carried out by MDDC, clearing 1.1 million square meters. This landmark operation, MDDC’s first major project outside BiH, introduced an innovative Land Release method that has since become a model for safe and efficient mine clearance.
Supporting Survivors and Building Safer Communities
Mine action is about more than removing explosives - it’s about restoring lives. MDDC provides mine risk education, prosthetics, and psychosocial support to hundreds of survivors, improving mobility, independence, and social inclusion.
The organization also strengthens national capacities by training the Armed Forces of BiH, Civil Protection units, and local NGOs, ensuring sustainable implementation of the BiH Mine Action Strategy.
Beyond clearance, MDDC enhances security. In partnership with the OSCE Mission to BiH, MDDC trains K9 units for law enforcement, equipping dogs and handlers to detect firearms, explosives, and ammunition. K9 competitions and specialized equipment have boosted police effectiveness and community safety.
Partnership with the Marshall Legacy Institute
A partner in MDDC’s work is the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI), a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to building safer, mine-free communities. Through its Children Against Mines Program (CHAMPS), MLI mobilizes grassroots support across the U.S. to fund mine detection dogs, support mine survivors, and raise global awareness.
Training of 500+ service dogs
Releasing 40+ million m² of land
Direct assistance to 350+ mine victims
Declaring Sarajevo and Mostar mine-free
Dogs trained at MDDC now serve on the frontlines of clearance operations worldwide, helping release land for safe, productive use. CHAMPS also fosters international solidarity, connecting U.S. and Bosnian children through educational exchanges about landmine risks and peacebuilding.
Powered by Partnerships
MDDC’s successes are the result of strong, long-term partnerships. Support from the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany has been vital in saving lives, protecting civilians, and advancing BiH toward a mine-free future. Equally important is the collaboration with MLI, whose CHAMPS program provides mine detection dogs, raises awareness, and supports survivors. Together, these partnerships have strengthened MDDC’s capacity to deliver safe land, reinforce national institutions, and restore hope to affected communities.
Looking Ahead
As BiH continues its journey toward being mine-free, MDDC remains essential. With over two decades of expertise, a strong network of partners, and a commitment to community resilience, MDDC stands as both a guardian of safety and a catalyst for recovery—in BiH and beyond.
