Restoring nature in conflict zones: groundbreaking partnership

A new collaboration between landmine clearance and habitat conservation charities is set to boost the resilience of vulnerable communities living in war-torn regions across the world.  

In a global first, Dumfries-based humanitarian mine action charity, The HALO Trust, and world-leading biodiversity research and conservation body, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), have joined forces to tackle the devastating environmental and economic consequences of war. 

Bringing together a wealth of international experience, with both organizations active across five continents, the unique partnership will focus on the many conflict-affected areas in which HALO operates that are also biodiversity hotspots where local communities depend heavily on plant resources for food security and trade.   

Kicking off the initiative in the Horn of Africa, HALO explosives experts have cleared landmines and other dangerous remnants of war in parts of Puntland and South-West Somalia to allow safe access for ecological surveys on rare, income-generating frankincense trees (Boswellia sacra) to take place.

An economically and culturally important species under increasing threat from environmental pressures, frankincense resin has a wide range of uses, primarily in aromatherapy, skincare, and traditional medicine. Using specialist locally adapted methods developed by the RBGE, the project is investigating tree health, supporting tree nurseries and replanting initiatives, and promoting sustainable harvesting practices.

James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust, said: "War leaves behind a legacy of devastation, splintering the lives of people and destroying the fragile environments upon which they depend. By fusing our respective expertise, passion and knowledge, our shared vision of helping people to recover and thrive after conflict while restoring the natural world is brought to life. Together, we envision a future rooted in peace – where both the land and its people can flourish again.” 

Simon Milne, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, added: "This partnership represents an innovative alignment of missions. By combining HALO's deep field knowledge and community networks with our expertise in plant science and conservation horticulture, we can support some of the world’s most vulnerable regions with practical solutions to strengthen ecosystems and livelihoods alike."

Looking to the future, new joint projects are expected to develop across the world, including in Ethiopia, Yemen, Kenya, West Africa, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Particular focus will be on post-conflict regions where gums and resins such as frankincense, myrrh, gum Arabic and Aloe species offer sustainable trade and development opportunities.

More on this partnership

• Saeeda Gouhari, a former Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh project lead: "In Afghanistan, our work supporting the sustainable use of natural resources provided communities with much-needed hope and agency. This partnership with HALO offers a new opportunity to blend recovery with regeneration – healing landscapes and lives together."

• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a leading international research organization delivering knowledge, education and plant conservation action around the world. In Scotland its four Gardens at Edinburgh, Benmore, Logan and Dawyck attract more than a million visitors each year. It operates as a Non-Departmental Public Body established under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985, principally funded by the Scottish Government. It is also a registered charity, managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Ministers. Its mission is "To explore, conserve and explain the world of plants".

About The HALO Trust

• The HALO Trust is the world's largest humanitarian landmine clearance organization.

• HALO works in 30+ countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Colombia, Angola and Sri Lanka.

• We deploy groundbreaking technology in conflict and post-conflict settings to help people rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods and keep their children safe.

• HALO also runs programs in weapons and ammunition management and safety training. During emergencies, we also provide humanitarian aid and logistical support.

• HALO was founded in 1988 in Afghanistan.

• We employ over 8,000 staff worldwide and recruit 95% of them locally.