Land Mines: Helping to bring an end to these cruel weapons
Land mines are one of the most inhumane and irresponsible weapons used in war. Approximately 90% of all land mine deaths and injuries are civilian related, with 1/3 being children.
With approximately 100 million land mines existing in 75 different countries, the number of innocent victims killed or maimed each day is staggering. These devices are designed with the intention of implementing the maximum amount of pain possible. They mutilate and kill indiscriminately. They are used as weapons of war but are usually left behind in areas where war is no longer taking place. Land mines are diverse; they range from land to sea and can be designed to be anti-personal or anti-tank and can be detonated in multiple ways, including but not limited to, remotely, pressure sensitive and trip wire.
The extraction and proper disposal of land mines from numerous square kilometers is the primary goal of this project. As well, this project is designed to bring awareness to the multiple facades of mining, demining and administer aid to those in need of it.
I believe the above can be accomplished by photographing the indiscriminate effect land mines have on people across three very different and diverse areas of the world. Those three areas are Western Europe, Southern Africa and Southeast Asia. These are also the areas where landmine oriented organizations such as, Adopt a Minefield, COPE and APOPO are most prominent. Including interviews with the people who are photographed and, creating a multimedia final presentation, will give the viewer a better sense of place and perceptive.
Through national and international exhibition as well as working in conjunction with the following companies and organization: Adopt a Minefield, COPE, APOPO, Hosmer Dorrance, and the United Nations, I will:
1) Use the proceeds and donations from this project to remove as many landmines as possible in the safest and most ethical way, while helping to bring awareness to this despicable tactic of war (Adopt a Minefield and COPE).
2) Bring glory to the brave and innovative men and woman helping their countries free themselves of landmines (APOPO).
3) Help bring aid to as many landmine victims as possible through medical support, prosthetic limb donations and physical therapy (Hosmer Dorrance).
This project will not rid the world of all landmines (according to the University of Western Australia it takes $1.5 million to clear a single square kilometer) but it will help. The extermination of landmines is very much within our reach. With the help of generous philanthropists, organizations, corporations, governments and activists we can rid the world of these cruel weapons.
262 Comments
This is an EXTREMELY worthy idea!
God Bless you and your dream. I am voting for you. Please look at other Dreams and vote for the worthy ones and/or make comments. There are some good ones!
Hello everyone. I hope you enjoy reading my proposal. If you'd like to visit my website and get a better idea of my photographic style, please go to www.allaneschoening.com I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks!
awesome work on that site yo. Make sure to check out Cambodia for land mine stuff. Phnom Penh is filled with beggers that have survived the millions of land mines that still are buried throughout the countryside. I'll definetly give ya a vote. Good luck.
You have my vote please go and vote for me..
This is awesome! I pray that you can make the top 20 b/c I really believe in this. BTW, great website too!
Love it! You got my vote
This project could help save tens of thousands of innocent lives.
Such a great idea! How could you not vote for this.
This is such a worthy and often overlooked cause. I really hope you win.
A noble venture... pick up where Princess Diana left off.
"Prince Allan" I like the RING of it!
Great idea Allan! Who knew you were so smart! LOL Just kidding. You deserve to win!!!!!!
Allan, Wouldn't it be awesome if you could impact the world in this way?
I really hope many people will learn about your idea and help to move forward on this
project.
Great idea, you have my vote and support -
Javier O.
Next Generation Waters
www.nextgenerationwaters.com
everyone should vote for this. A great cause and judging by the passion of the summary and the quality of photos on his site, it seems like this guy can back it up.
I am so proud to cast my vote for this brilliant concept. Allan, seeing this proposal, and knowing you as I do, I have great hope for your vision. You deserve to win! Best of luck.
If anyone can bring a human face to an ignored continued travesty in a way that will affect great change, it's you man. Good work.
Great cause Allan, you have my vote.
Good work Allan. Kepp it up and good luck.
Good Luck mate !
I despise landmines.
great idea Allan, keep up the good work
tia A. and Tio E. in Panama
Bravo Allan! This is indeed a worthy idea. I wish you all the best.
Pamela Dean in San Antonio TX.
This is certainly a worthy cause, Allan. Best wishes for winning the photo contest so you can live your dream! Bentonne
Allan, Great Idea! Helping thousands of innocent lives!
C.Amaya in Miami, FL.
This is a great and worthy cause, best to you!
Full of risk but very noble to take these pictures in order to get funding to erradicate this terrible consequence of war, afecting innocent children and adults. Congratulations on the theme. I hope you get to realize this dream!
Good luck trying to eliminate these weapons used by cowards who can't face their enemy. Maybe is people see the awful results they will be outlawed.
Besos, Tía Rita en Panama
Hooray! ya got my vote:)
GREAT idea!! Good luck!
Allan- Getting rid of land mines and helping the many innocent victims is a important cause that deserves much attention. You have a great vision and the heart to make a difference. You have my vote!
-Mona
Allan, great idea and best of luck. Vik
All the best! Great work.
Rodolfo
I wish success to you and all, who support the end of these unhuman practices.
Allan, this is a great and very urgent idea, so many kids and adults are suffering from the late explosion!! Good job, congratulation for the initiative!! Chris
What a great project . I hope that with your help these deadly weapons will be eliminated forever!
FER
Wonderful! It has my vote
got my vote
A worthy cause to expose one of mans worst travesties to man! Congratulations on your idea.
got my vote. Good luck
Good luck
Fantastic cause, I have been to Cambodia and personally seen the devastation, Congrats you two.
Allan, great project and I´m happy to give you my vote.
This is such a powerful project! Please tell your friends and family about it!!
done deal, you got my vote! your website is great! it's amazing the things you see through your lens. best of luck to you! :)
You have my vote...great idea...wish you all the best
you have my vote too!!!
Yet another vote! a very worthy project
the earth is an eternal gift..it really doesnt belong to you...it goes on and on even without you...that is why this project has my vote...lands mines is a cruel reality and example of when ignorant human beings dont understand or respect the gift of earth and life.wish u the best v
another vote.
you have my vote !
I think this is a great opportunity to help these communities and document the different cultures and the amazing people that live there. Hope you make top 20!!
Chelsea
Such big hearts, good luck, I really hope that you guys get to work on this project.
Robyn
Way to go...hope you guys get it! Way to go for your dreams.
you absolutely have my vote! Best of luck!
Getting rid of, and outlawing, land and sea mines is imperative!
You definitely have my vote.
Good Luck you guys! I'm happy to help in any way I can!
Katie Mac
Very cool. Please, check me out too when you've got the time.
Unite against the “network” that is scheming votes. Support ideas that are “lost” due to unworthy ideas using low tactics. “Insulin” is not the best idea. Something is wrong here and many fantastic ideas are getting lost due to the “network.” If you like my idea on “Vanishing Cultures,” vote for it.
Great cause! Good luck!
XX
Renato
Traveling throughout Asian pacific I saw first hand the suffering that land mines has caused. The more that people can bring awareness to this issue the better chance we have of clearing our planet of such terrible weapons. You have my vote.
A wonderful and noble project. I am delighted to cast my vote for it
Morris
Great work, hope you win.
Rod Beeche
Your Dutch connection from the Delvalle clan suports your idea because its G_R_E_A_T
Excellent theme, go for it, see the movie The Hunting Team with Richard Gere, in Bosnia.. excellent, the best of luck, Melvyn Oller Lindo, Panama, Republic of Panama
What a worthy and needed project! God's blessings over this project that you will make a difference to mankind!
Excellent. Congratulations. Elaine Maduro Demas, Miami, Florida
a New York Maduro descendent supports your worthy effort
I think you project is a great idea!
Joyce de Leeuw (Del Valle descendent)! Holland
What an amazing message and cause to support! Best of luck = )
Great idea
this is an underreported topic in need of journalistic attention.
What a wonderful project. You are going to save many lives and help many that have been destroyed as well. Congratulations on your objective and hope you have lots of success with it.
You got my vote.. good luck!
a worthy project with universal implications! hope you are funded!
cousin HUGO in los angeles.
Hey Allan, sounds like a great project. Good Luck.
Allan, Congratulations for this idea, you got my vote. We have to do everything we can to eliminate this atrocity.
amazing!!! good luck you guys!!!
I love this idea! check out mine and Pic it if youd like! Congo here I come...
what i like about this is that you're aiming to address the situation at all angles: removing land mines to prevent further tragedy, but also supporting those already affected. the repercussions of landmine violence is extremely far-reaching, and doesn't stop at simply removing them. congrats!
Great cause, go for it.
Alfredo
Good Luck Allan!
Coco P
Best of luck Allan. There are plenty of land mines also in the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Your efforts are appreciated
Carlos
thanks, like it,certainly some good ideas getting lost in the mix amongst all this computer network votes..and if you like mine,about orhpans in USA and Africa, please return the vote!
Good luck
good luck, you have my vote
I hope you win, Allan! It would be an amazing project :)
I support your efforts and your essay. Princess Diana died too soon and was doing such good for awareness of this huge issue. I wish you the best in all you are doing. :^)
What an amazing project & you are both extremely gifted photographers - I fully support you - you have my vote
here's one more vote for this worthy cause. Good luck to both of you(and those you could be helping). Sandy
Excellent, you have my VOTE all the way. Good luck, we hope you win, and what a difference you are making with your photos. We love you here in Miami xoxoxo
Jessica
Allan, terrific to see your dream in action. Good luck!
Bernadette O'Connell
Good Luck for Schnur
What a wonderful project. Do you have any specifics on where you want to work? Voted.
Check out my portfolio online: http://maclellanimages.com/blog1/galleries/ and my project on engineering for the third world.
I hope you win!
i really hope you guys will win this contest!
Great Going son. Hope you win this worthy project. DAD
Way to go!
Allan and Blessing, these are fantastic ideas! Way to go guys.
djg
Go Allen!
good luck!
There is nothing more heinous than the unnecessary killing and mutilation of innocent people from landmines placed by the followers of feuding political or religious zeolots.
Wonderful; not enough is known about this. Hope you get it.
Best of luck Allan! - Herman
Excellent work. Hope u win.
It´s a beatifull project, hope you win, count with my vote. Lupo
Great idea. You have a great thing going. You have my vote.
Great job keep up with your dreams ALLAN
Dear Allan and Blessing......good luck! wishing you the very best. hope you win
xoxoxox
Sweet project. Hope you win!
Thanks for all your support and votes!! Please keep telling your friends and family about our project.
Good luck Allan!
Good Luck Allan!! Keep on making a difference!
Allan, I do support your sensibility. Congratulations
Sergio M Cerdas
Fantastic!!!
Hi Allan, Success, from Aruba. Roy Maduro
I was provided your information by Susan Schnur, a dear friend. I am hopeful that your vision can become a reality. Best of luck from GA!
hey guys,
best of luck from london... ;)
-Ian
Allaqn and Blessing, I hopeyou meet your goal. Congratulations from Guatemala.
Very worthy of winning! You have my vote!
I voted.
...for you two!
This sounds like a great project.
Muy bueno!
Good luck with the project and great idea.
This is a very worthwhile project from a photographer with the skills and dedication to make it work.
Thank you both for drawing attention to this atrocity. As the Mom of a Solider in Iraq, I can tell you my son, saw first hand, the devastation of mines to the innocent. You have my vote and the vote of all I influence!!
It's great that you already have an organization which will provide protheses for the victims, as unfortunately most of them also lack any financial means.
As a miltary wife I have always felt the clean up after war was needed to protect the local people from accidents. GREAT!! idea:)
Behind you 100%.
Allan, great effort for a good cause. Mike and I support you and Blessing....just don't go on site in March.
God bless you as you continue on this much needed project. Praying you will win.
I can't wait to see your images. I know you're gonna win!
my wishes are with you guys!!
good luck allan....we hope you win!! jamie and manolo seidner
Congratulations in advance! A great idea to help shaping a better world.
Good luck and best wishes!
Ma.Alexandra - Madrid :o)
Great idea, You have my vote!!!
Good luck Allan, tu prima Vivi
good luck for good cause
I voted for you. This is a worthy cause!
You have my vote!!!!! I hope you win....
Great cause!
You have my vote! Good luck with this.
I hope my vote counts!!!! i miss you and admire you guys!!!
loredana
Keep up with the good work, good luck. Fito
Congratulations on a valuable project! Hope you two win.
From your Miami cousin, Sharon
May the Lord bless you with a winning project!
This is so great! You guys are such an inspiration to my son
Good luck guys!
get it!!
good luck Blessing!!!
Your photographs are beautiful. I love your journalistic style and hope for the best for this project.
Good Luck Blessing!!! Best of Luck!
Best Wishes!
fabulous!
Sounds interesting! Good Luck!
using your photographic skills to take on such a worthwhile project is wonderful! Good luck, I hope you succeed!
spread light and word for these people. I hope you exhibit these photographs any and everywhere you can.
Good luck Blessing and Allan, it's a great cause! If you win and you need a hand with the project, count me in! Peace
I pic'd it. Great proposal. Best of luck Schoening and Blessing. You've got our support down here in Miami.
-Ugo
great idead--good job
Great Cause Allan. The best of luck.
Gerri and Ruben.
You have my vote! I was referred by your friend, Daniel Brock. Best of luck.
Powerful!... and very important. You certainly have my vote.
This is a great idea. You have my vote.
Best of luck from the Pennsylvania contingent!
great idea! Good Luck to both of you... I hope to soon hear of your documentary travels! :-)
This is an awesome project! best of luck to you.
WOW!!! BEAUTIFUL WORK ALAN I'M SENDING OUT AN EMAIL AS WELL, THANKS TO JJ I GOT THIS LINK, GOOD LUCK, YOU DESERVE IT XOXO MO
Bless Blessing
I am sure you know Princess Diana was a huge supporter of this topic, so I hope you can get this going. Nicola
FYI, according to the Landmine Monitor, Colombia had the most accidents in 2007 (895/year), then Afghanistan (811/year), followed by Myanmar/Burma (438) and then Cambodia (352/year). Perhaps this will influence your choice of countries. Good luck on the proposal.
Good luck! From Tia Nady in El Salvador
Good luck! From Rick McDaniel in Prescott
Great idea - follow your dream. Hope you win
Wonderful! Wish I could vote twice!! Best of luck!
Very cool project! So proud of you guys! Best of luck and let me know when the documentary comes out! Star
Awesome idea! Hope you win!!
Good luck!
Hope you'll win!
Great project, all my respect for your initiative, congratulations
Good luck man! Great project!
good luck mate, robbie
Awesome project! hope you make it!
Vamos Allan. Tio Edgar from El Salvador
Good luck friends!!
You have my vote 100%. Excellent project, keep on with the good work
Absolutely an inspirational and important project... you have my vote
Good luck from Survivor Corps!
Good luck!!!
Good Luck! Dr William Bowers
Good Luck!!
Best of luck to you!
I hope you win!
Good luck!!!
Great project!!! Good luck and I hope you win!!!!!!!
Allan and Blessing
How have you been ?
I really wanted to work with you guys more
Now Im in Tokyo but I jus got Agency in LA
I will move to LA after enonomy is going up
I wish we could work in the future in USA or anywhere
Good luck
NoLi
Allan and Blessing
How have you been ?
I really wanted to work with you guys more
Now Im in Tokyo but I jus got Agency in LA
I will move to LA after enonomy is going up
I wish we could work in the future in USA or anywhere
Good luck
NoLi
May your dream spare the lives of millions.
good luck!! worthy cause!
GOOD LUCK!!!!
A friend of Lonny's is a friend of mine.
Joyce requested attention for ur project.
Wish u all the best, and good luck on the votes!
good luck!
Good Luck Guys!! I really hope you get it! I have traveled to Cambodia and seen personally what land mines can do and I really think you guys are doing a wonderful thing. -Tiffany
well done!
Killer! - Ruben Millares
Good luck Allan!!
This is a wonderful project! I hope it attracts the awareness needed... Natalia Sturla
BEST O' LUCK!!!!
You have our vote! Fred and Deb Mateer
Good Luck, a bit of Help from ARRSE coming your way ;)
yay!
Amazing idea Blessing, My vote is in! I want u to win!
Tommy Ruscica
A noble cause! May you see your vision through and inspire future efforts.
Great Topic, and extremely relevant
I wish you the very best!
Good luck. Hope that you will vote for all the ideas here of other photographers who share your ideals and knowledge of subject matter.
It is amazing that the United Nations and James Madison University have highlighted your proposal on their sites! We are so proud of you.
http://www.unausa.org/blog
http://maic.jmu.edu/
didnt you have like a thousand something votes? why is it at this low number now.. man this thing is rigged
Thank you for your commitment to raising awareness about the terror of landmines. We wish you the best and are certainly rooting for you!
Dear Allan this is your cousin from Holland who strongly supports your initiative and hope many more will do
Bye bye from Delvalle
Great idea and good luck!
Brilliant idea. !!!!
Gets my vote.
Excellent cause, you got my vote
Good Luck!!
We need more votes Allan
Ribca van W
The law offices of Kaplan & Freedman support you guys! We are very proud!
You should all get on Face Book and other Network Marketing Sites, I just started a group on there as well as contacting all Friends and adding a Thread in various Sites, all of you need to get out and promote this or you will find a geek photographing Route 66 beating you!!!
Great stuff guys. Best of luck! - Pearce
Your 'Pic it' button doesn't work. I couldn't vote. But I would have voted for you.
Amazing. Good luck guys. xxx Heather
Best of luck! I hope it goes your way...great project.
arri
You got my vote!
Incredible
Worthy cause! You have my vote.
Exciting idea, Allan and Blessing! God bless you!
Good luck, worthy cause
good luck! VOTE For A & B!
Good luck guys, u got my vote :-)
Good luck guys, u got my vote :-)
Good luck. You have my vote!
Forget luck. May God bless you both and His will be done! I pray for the people who have suffered as a result of land mines and those who will in the future.
You have my vote!
voted! good luck guys! :)
Excellent guys! I'm excited to see your finished project!
good luck:]
What an extraordinarily important cause. Best of luck, Allan and Blessing.
Good luck Allan and Blessing! God bless you both!
Good luck Allan!!
brooks grads have to stick together!! signed up just to vote for you! Good luck!
You get my vote my friend. Hold tight your in the teens!
Nick
Best of luck Allan and Blessing!
good luck hope you win!!!!!
Great idea allan. From all At Columbus lacrossee we Wish you all the Best, God Bless.
Miami, fl.
Best of Luck Allan from Me(Charlie) and my Columbus H.S. Lacrossee team.
God Bless
Miami, florida
Good luck allan, Great Idea
Charlie Lopez Chaves
Miami, fl.
Good Luck man hope you win. (Jorge Peñas "columbus Lacrosse")
Miami, Florida
Good Luck, Great Idea
Francis Peñas
Miami, Florida
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panoraman
Great idea - you have my vote! Please vote for me too!