Washington, D.C., June 16th, the Maryland–Bosnia & Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) hosted representatives from the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI), Elise Becker and Anne Wooleyhand, to discuss expanding MLI’s mine-action initiatives, particularly their Children Against Mines Program (CHAMPS), within Maryland and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The meeting highlighted MLI’s vital role in Bosnia’s post-conflict mine-clearance efforts. Notably, thanks to MLI’s mine detection dog (MDD) program, 49 donated dogs have searched over 3.5 million square meters of land to date, making it safe for communities to use. With support from the U.S. Department of State, MLI co-implemented the Mine Free Sarajevo project, rendering Sarajevo and surrounding municipalities mine-free in 2021 after nearly 6 million square meters of land was searched and cleared. Bosnia’s regional MDD Center has been a key partner in these efforts.
MBHEC and MLI emphasized that Bosnia now serves as a global hub for training demining dogs, underscoring Maryland’s State Partnership Program model of civil-military collaboration.
The groups agreed on the potential to expand MLI’s CHAMPS outreach within Maryland schools and connect students both here and in Bosnia. CHAMPS, launched in Bosnia in 2007, has already engaged youth across the U.S., including in the Maryland and D.C. area, through virtual exchanges and survivor support efforts.
This partnership aligns with the mission to strengthen civil‑military ties and promote global awareness among Maryland’s youth. By engaging students in life‑saving mine education and demining advocacy, it supports both international security and civic education.
Moving forward, MLI and MBHEC committed to developing joint student programming in Maryland and Bosnia, expanding CHAMPS campaigns, and leveraging Bosnia’s MDD training center for broader educational and operational impact.
