عربي (Arabic Translation)
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) welcome a significant contribution from the People of Japan to launch a joint two-year project aimed at restoring agricultural livelihoods and strengthening resilience in northwest Syria. This is the first-ever joint FAO-UNMAS project globally.
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 4.4 million US dollars to strengthen the contribution of mine action to food security and rural recovery in conflict-affected areas of Aleppo, Hama, and Idleb.
The two agencies will work together to support the safe return of farming families to productive agricultural land. FAO will identify and prioritize agricultural areas where mine action can generate the highest food security and livelihood impact. Based on this analysis, UNMAS will conduct surveys and clearance operations and deliver Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) to enable safe access to farmland. Following land release, FAO will support 1,500 farming households to restore agricultural production through the provision of essential inputs, technical assistance, and the rehabilitation of 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 people while enabling them to rebuild their lives in dignity and self-reliance, and to shape a more stable and hopeful future for themselves and their children," stated Mr. TSUJI Akihiro, Chargé d’Affaires and Special Coordinator for Syria.
"By integrating EO clearance with agricultural recovery, the project will reduce aid dependency, enable safe access to arable land, help create conditions for the safe and dignified 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 caused 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, helping restore agricultural production for thousands of farmers, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening 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, Acting FAO Representative (OiC) in the Syrian Arab Republic, pirro.tomaso.perri@fao.org
Damascus, May 2026
