The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) welcome a significant contribution from the Government of Japan to launch a joint two-year project aimed at restoring agricultural livelihoods and strengthening resilience in northwest Syria.
The "Project for the Clearance of Mine and Unexploded Ordnance and the Rehabilitation of Agricultural Infrastructure in Conflict Affected Areas," funded under JAPAN GRANT AID, commits around 4.3 million US dollars to address the twin threats of explosive ordnance contamination and agricultural degradation in the governorates of Aleppo, Hama, and Idleb.
The two agencies will work together to ensure the safe return of farming families to their land. UNMAS will prioritize the clearance of agricultural land, and deliver Explosive Ordnance Risk Education to ensure safe farming. FAO will identify the lands requiring clearance, and once UNMAS completes its interventions, FAO will assist 1,500 farming households in restoring their agricultural activities. This support will include providing essential inputs, offering technical assistance, and rehabilitating key irrigation wells and canals.
The project aligns with Japan's commitment to human security, resilience building, and humanitarian protection, reinforcing its long-standing role as a key partner in supporting mine action activities and agricultural recovery in Syria. “We are protecting lives while enabling people to rebuild their lives in dignity and self-reliance, and to shape a more stable and hopeful future for themselves and their children."Ms. Akiko stated
"By integrating EO clearance with agricultural recovery, the project will reduce aid dependency, enable safe access to land, encourage the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and pave the way for long-term food security and stability in the region." Mr. Joseph McCartan, Chief of Mine Action Programme in Syria stated.
“Agriculture remains essential for the recovery and resilience of millions of Syrians. FAO is proud to partner with UNMAS, and to closely collaborate with the Government of Syria, to address the challenges occurred by explosive ordnance and mines. Together with UNMAS, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, we are working to save lives by ensuring safe access to farmlands for thousands of farmers, helping restore agricultural production, protect livelihoods, and strengthen food and nutrition security across Syria. Our joint efforts aim to give farmers the safety and confidence they need to rebuild their futures,”. Said Pirro Tomaso Perri - FAO Acting Representative in the Syrian Arab Republic.
For further information, please contact:
Embassy of Japan in Syria at Beirut ,jpnemb@scs-net.org
Mr. Joseph McCartan, Chief of Mine Action Programme, Syria, joseph.mccartan@un.org
Mr. Pirro Tomaso Perri, FAO Representative in the Syrian Arab Republic, pirrotomaso.perri@fao.org
Damascus, March 2026
