This project is financed by Innovation Norway. The event is a kick-off for the innovation project. Join us for an interactive event aimed at bringing together professionals from diverse fields to explore new approaches to addressing chemical soil contamination resulting from explosive ordinance in conflict-affected areas worldwide.
This session will incorporate lightning talks and panel discussion, providing a platform for engaging industry experts, solution providers, and researchers to explore feasible, scalable, and innovative approaches to remediation.
Rather than presenting fixed solutions, we will create a space for dialogue, brainstorming, and collective problem-solving. The panel discussion will allow stakeholders to exchange insights on technological advancements, market-ready solutions, and gaps that require further innovation. Participants will be encouraged to share their insights, propose innovative approaches, and learn from others' experiences.
Land contaminated by explosive residues, such as landmines, poses long-term threats to health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Current remediation methods are often costly, time-consuming, or difficult to scale, particularly in a post-conflict setting and in rural communities. By integrating panel discussion and lightning talks this event will help bridge the gap between theoretical approaches and practical market solutions. Through structured discussions with market actors, research institutions, and practitioners, we aim to identify viable technologies and strategies that can be tested and implemented in real-world contexts.
Welcome from Innovation Norway and Opening Remarks
Keynote Presentation: The Challenge of Soil Contamination in Post-Conflict Zones
Lightning talks: Engaging Industry Experts and Solution Providers
- Bioremediation and biochar. Possible solutions to war poisoning
- Erik Joner, Research Manager from NIBIO
- Hege Vågen, Senior Advisor Environment from Sweco
- Marion O'Farrell, Research Manager, Smart Sensors and Microsystems, SINTEF
Panel Discussion with COWI, SINTEF, NIBIO, Sweco and Forsvarsbygg
Closing Remarks from Norwegian People's Aid
• How can we help identify commercially viable solutions for rapid soil testing?
• What are the primary types of chemical contaminants found in soil after the detonation or presence of explosive ordnance and unexploded ordnance?
• How can rapid testing methods be improved or adapted to identify chemical contamination efficiently on-site?
• What indicators should be prioritized when testing for soil toxicity to ensure safety for agriculture and human health?
• How can test results be effectively integrated into land use planning and remediation strategies?
• What role can communities and local stakeholders play in monitoring and managing contaminated sites?
We invite professionals from diverse backgrounds, including:
• Environmental scientists and soil specialists.
• Agricultural and land management professionals.
• Researchers, engineers, and technology developers.
• Representatives from NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations.
• Humanitarian mine action experts.
• A platform for sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences.
• Discussion and opportunities to connect with industry leaders, technology providers, and funding bodies.
• Identification of potential partnerships to co-develop and test new remediation technologies.
• A summary of key takeaways and recommendations to inform future market engagement strategies.
• Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and
• Forum for technology and development (FTU)
• Tekna Biodiversity
• Engineers Without Borders Norway (IUG)
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