Editorial: Photo Essay / Story (PROFESSIONAL) - HONORABLE MENTION
Cambodia's Landmine Crisis and the Hero Rats
Photo © Aaron Gekoski
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Every year since Cambodia's brutal Civil War in the 1970's, landmines continue to kill and main - it's estimated there are around 30,000 amputees in the country. Tanzanian-based NGO, APOPO, is using an ingenious method to clear rural areas and make them safe for local people and development. Giant African pouched rats have an excellent sense of smell and are able to detect even tiny amounts of TNT, and are light enough not to set the landmine off. Due to the work of these 'Hero Rats', countless lives are saved every year.
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Every year since Cambodia's brutal Civil War in the 1970's, landmines continue to kill and main - it's estimated there are around 30,000 amputees in the country. Tanzanian-based NGO, APOPO, is using an ingenious method to clear rural areas and make them safe for local people and development. Giant African pouched rats have an excellent sense of smell and are able to detect even tiny amounts of TNT, and are light enough not to set the landmine off. Due to the work of these 'Hero Rats', countless lives are saved every year.
About author:
Widely published environmental photojournalist and presenter. Specialise in wildlife, underwater and conservation.BACK TO GALLERY
