MAG is delighted to announce that its executive director Lou McGrath has received the award of Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Lou McGrath was presented with his award at Buckingham Palace for his services to international mine clearance.
Lou has been executive director of MAG since 1997 but has been involved in the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance since 1989.
He played a key role in the development of landmine clearance techniques, which MAG has implemented in more than 35 countries since its foundation in 1989.
"I am really proud with the announcement of this Honour," he said, in an initial reaction.
"I want to accept this award on behalf of everyone in MAG. Our staff carry out difficult and dangerous work and their efforts have given more opportunities for people to live without the threats and restrictions posed by landmines."
MAG was a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and Lou McGrath played an active part in the Mine Ban Treaty process which banned the production, manufacture and export of anti-personnel mines. The Treaty was signed in Ottawa, Canada, in 1997 after which the founding members of the ICBL were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the same year.
"The most important thing in this life are the people who come after us," believes Lou. "If we're prepared to leave a legacy like landmines the next generations will wonder why we didn't do anything."
Lou has overseen the successful growth of the MAG into one of the world's leading agencies providing humanitarian mine clearance, ammunition disposal, destruction and safe stockpiling of abandoned and ignored weapons caches. MAG is renowned for working in close consultation and cooperation with local communities and provides education, training and employment for members of affected communities.