Mine Action Information Center
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The Mine Action Information Center at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, is a public-policy center that manages information and conducts training relevant to humanitarian mine clearance, victim assistance, mine-risk reduction and other landmine-related issues. As an information clearinghouse, the MAIC provides training, operates a help desk for queries, hosts conferences and symposia on landmine-related topics, publishes a journal about mine action, maintains a content-rich Web site, develops mine-action education materials, produces geographical information system (GIS) products, and conducts studies and surveys designed to facilitate and improve global landmine action.
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[edit] Staff
The MAIC has a full-time staff that organizes faculty, students and other subject-matter experts into teams to address specific landmine-related issues. Drawing on university programs and mine-action experience, the MAIC is in a unique position to facilitate integrative approaches and innovative solutions to mine-action information and training.
[edit] History
The JMU program began in 1996 under a Department of Defense directive by the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy to serve as a humanitarian demining information clearinghouse. In 1997, the Under Secretary chartered MAIC as a Department of Defense Center of Excellence. Starting in 1998, MAIC began to receive support from the Department of State's Vietnam Initiative. Subsequently, between 2000 and 2001, the core United States government support transferred from the Department of Defense to the Department of State. From 2001 to 2006, MAIC has expanded its global support network to include the United Nations, Canada, Switzerland, the Slovenia International Trust Fund, and more.
[edit] Journal of Mine Action
Published twice a year, the Journal of Mine Action is an international print and online magazine designed to provide a forum for the global landmine community. Through editorials, articles, reports, reviews, profiles and news, the Journal strives to bring current and valuable information to its readers. The print magazine has a circulation of 1,500, two-thirds of which is outside the US. Another 135,000 unique visitors view the magazine online annually. The Journal of Mine Action is written by in-house staff and mine-action practitioners from around the world. Authors explore current practices, new equipment and techniques, procedures, lessons learned and newsworthy information important to the international mine-action community. The magazine is funded by contracts from the United States Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
[edit] Global Mine Action Registry
The Global Mine Action Registry is a resource database of the most up-to-date contact information on hundreds of mine-action organizations, available online for the MAIC Website customers. The Registry is a free tool for organizations working directly in mine action. One can do an online search to find virtually any type of organization, in any field, and in every country around the world. In addition to having organizations register their contact information, the Mine Action Information Center also encourages them to keep it informed of their current activities and fieldwork.
[edit] UNDP Senior Management Training Course
The MAIC was selected by the United Nations Development Programme to conduct a five-week residence course aimed at national mine-action senior staff. A total of 84 participants from 31 mine-affected countries attended the four sessions offered from 2004-2006. The courses are integrated in order to form a unique comprehensive program. The curriculum of instruction utilizes case studies, small group projects, and various exercises to help students apply the information to their particular contexts. In addition, guest speakers (mine-action subject-matter experts) allow for realistic applications of the subject matter. The students' achievements include presenting country updates, creating draft national plans, briefing key donors and leaders in mine action, and speaking at university and community events. Outside of the classroom, participants visit the U.S. government mine-action R&D program at Fort A.P. Hill as well as cultural, historical and natural sites. The Senior Management Training Course has created cross-cultural friendships and working relationships among the participants, connecting mine-action managers around the world.
