27 Years of Landmine Clearance Pave the Way for a Safer Future

The HALO Trust has completed 27 years of humanitarian landmine clearance in Kosovo, helping communities rebuild their homes, restore farmland and develop safer infrastructure.

“Kosovo shows us that the real impact of removing landmines and cluster bombs is not measured in hectares cleared, but in what that land makes possible over time,” said Atholl Stewart, former HALO Programme Manager in Kosovo.

Since 1999, extensive clearance efforts have transformed previously dangerous areas into safe spaces for housing, agriculture, transport and tourism. Removing explosives enabled the redevelopment of Pristina Airport, which now serves almost five million passengers annually, the construction of major roads, and the reopening of mountain trails to tourists. Farmers have modernised their operations, while returning families have invested in homes and businesses. Over the same period, Kosovo’s economy has grown to more than $14 billion, and life expectancy has risen from 58 to 78 years. With its mission completed, HALO is handing responsibility for any remaining explosive contamination to national authorities, marking a major milestone in Kosovo’s recovery.