The Mine Action Information Center Resource Guide—MAIC Director, Dennis Barlow

Click here to view Resource Guide in English

MAIC Director Dennis Barlow spoke about the Center's website, specifically four tools that are part of its Resource Guide, and how the mine action community can use these resources to improve programs. These four resources are:

• The Global Mine Action Registry, a database of mine action contacts. Organizations can register their information here and also find information about other organizations working in the field to help develop partnerships and foster cooperation within the community. Currently about 800 organizations are listed in the Registry. The Registry is fully searchable by organization type, category of work, country of operation and keyword. Mr. Barlow urged participants to check their organizations' information and verify that it is current.
• The Journal of Mine Action, an international publication including articles on timely topics in mine action. It is available in print (subscriptions are free) as well as online. The online version also has a keyword search tool. Mr. Barlow encouraged participants to submit articles for upcoming issues on topics such as technology, the military role in mine action, and mine action in Latin America.
• The Lessons Learned Database, an open forum of lessons learned that are input by mine action practitioners. Mr. Barlow asked participants to visit the site and add their own lessons. At the end of the year, the lessons chosen as the best by a focus group will be complied and sent to the United Nations for consideration to be included in the standards.
• The Spatial Information Clearinghouse, a website that contains information on Spatial Data and Geographic Information Systems for use by the mine action community. The site gives information on what geographic tools are available for specific countries and contains tutorials on GIS tools, which is especially helpful for training purposes. The Center is hoping to have the site translated into Spanish and German to reach more members of the mine action community.