APOPO saves lives by training animals to rid the world of landmines and tuberculosis. Their mission is to protect people and the planet with innovative solutions using trained rats.

60 countries are contaminated by landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Because landmines are victim-activated they kill indiscriminately. In 2020 landmines and explosive remnants of war caused at least 7,073 casualties, of which 80% were civilians and 50% children. The threat of landmines also hampers economic recovery and development in war damaged areas. Villages are cut off from basic necessities such as water supplies and essential travel routes, and are prevented from using fertile land for the cultivation of crops, grazing livestock or development.

Lieve Blancquaert makes photographs for APOPO.