News Beat
Consett man awarded OBE for international humanitarian work
Michael Raine received the honour in the New Year Honours List for services to Humanitarian Land Mine Clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Overseas.
Mr Raine began his career as a Royal Navy Clearance Diver aged 16 before moving into humanitarian demining work in 1991, where he went on to lead major clearance operations across Somaliland, Bosnia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon and Vietnam, among other countries.
While working with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Cyprus, South Sudan and Somalia, he played a key role in developing national explosive ordnance disposal teams and improving operations in active conflict areas.
Since 2022, Mr Raine, from Consett, has served as Programme Manager for Apopo in Cambodia, where he has overseen the clearance of hundreds of hectares of hazardous land, using trained rats.
“It’s something that you can physically see which makes it worthwhile,” said Michael.
“We went back to one of the villages that we’d done in the first year, now they’ve got better roads, better houses and the school has been refurbished. Even tough we just helped them in the first year, they’ve carried on for the next two years.”
His work has also helped pioneer innovative mine clearance techniques, including the use of animal scent detection systems, designd to improve efficiency and safety.
Mr Raine’s efforts have had a lasting impact on communities around the world, enabling land once rendered dangerous by war to be returned to safely and used for farming, housing and development.
Michael added: “When I got the news I was getting an OBE I was so pleased to be recognised after all the work I’ve done over the years. I feel really proud, and my family is really proud.
“I’m hoping to go down to London for the celebration, which is a once in a lifetime chance. Then, I’ll be heading back to Siem Reap to continue helping the Cambodian government and authorities clear the landmines after the fighting.
“This recognition belongs to the dedicated national staff, international colleagues, partners, and communities who work every day to save lives and build peace.”
