The HALO Trust and WWF-Ukraine have partnered to enhance the environmental sustainability of demining operations in Ukraine. In December, the organizations signed a memorandum outlining their collaboration. Their inaugural joint project focuses on restoring demined forest belts in the Mykolaiv region, crucial for preserving landscapes and strengthening the region's climate resilience.
"Nature restoration is integral to Ukraine's recovery," said Bohdan Vyhor, Executive Director of WWF-Ukraine. "This partnership with HALO Trust marks an essential step toward rehabilitating ecosystems damaged by war. Reviving forest belts on demined land is not only the beginning of reconstruction but also a model for a holistic approach to rebuilding Ukraine."
The partnership aims to address legislative gaps in land restoration processes after combat. By implementing an eco-sustainable model in Mykolaiv, the collaboration will also provide recommendations for legal reforms—setting a precedent for environmentally conscious demining across Ukraine.
Pete Smith, Program Director for The HALO Trust Ukraine, emphasized,
"We recognize the connection between clearing explosive remnants of war and preserving biodiversity while bolstering communities’ climate resilience. Ensuring the sustainability of our activities is crucial to fulfilling our mission of protecting those impacted by war."
Ukraine faces a daunting challenge, with 30% of its land—equivalent to the combined area of two Czechias or four Switzerlands—currently mined, according to a TopLead study. Additionally, over 56% of Ukraine's territory consists of arable land, one of the highest proportions in Europe, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable agriculture and nature-based solutions such as agroforestry and protective forest belts. Contamination from explosives and chemicals threatens the nation's economy and food security, making eco-conscious demining and land restoration critical.
About The HALO Trust
The HALO Trust, the world’s largest nonprofit organization focused on mine clearance, has been operating for 36 years in over 30 countries. Its mission is to protect lives and rebuild livelihoods for war-affected populations. Since 2015, HALO has worked in eastern Ukraine and now also operates in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions.
About WWF
WWF is one of the largest independent conservation organizations globally, uniting over five million supporters in more than 100 countries. The organization aims to halt the degradation of the planet’s ecosystems and foster a future where humans live in harmony with nature. WWF-Ukraine, established as a national office in 2019, focuses on forest conservation, water preservation, species protection, and combating climate change. This partnership with HALO Trust aligns with its mission to ensure sustainable, nature-oriented recovery in Ukraine.
