This is certainly the case where issues such as local institutional mandates, internal administrative policies, and even national sovereignty are involved. Problems in the Mine Action operational environment take many forms. Operators can be blamed for inefficiency when operating in an environment of contradiction between donor and host country policy and intentions. Perception problems also arise where overall donor aims and rationales are not clear. The roles and aims of international operators could be clearly outlined in such a plan, avoiding much of the suspicion of intent that is today too often found in Mine Action.
Constant mention is made of funding and funding timelines.
Short term funding and donors jumping from one project to the next with little regard for the need for consistency and continuity creates a difficult planning environment and can contribute to a local suspicion of operator credibility and intentions. Few HMC projects are financed by a single donor alone. Certainly no national programme can be. Co-ordination among donors is the key to overcoming problems because of different fiscal calendars and funding appropriation systems. This would also contribute to clarity of the overall policies and aims of the effort.