Removing mines to make families safe in Kosovo

Last year, we told you about The HALO Trust’s clearance work in Peja, a major city in Kosovo. The locals use the area for walks, jogs, picnics, summer housing and grazing their animals. HALO has been working in Peja since March 2020 making the land safe. Since then, HALO has cleared over 266,400 square meters so far (over 65 acres) and has destroyed 13 cluster sub-munitions.

We are so grateful to our supporters who are making our work in Kosovo possible. Every time we find and destroy a landmine or explosive, it is gone forever and will never again threaten a life.

Landmines and other dangerous explosives left behind from war not only threaten lives, but also livelihoods.

Xheladin, a local resident from Peja, has been running the family business for 17 years now. He has a family-owned Ranch resort that offers a variety of services including a restaurant with traditional food and drinks. In addition to the Alpine House Ranch Resort, there are also stables with 20 horses, 10 of which are available for riding on designated trails built by riding professionals.

Ten family members work in this family business, relying on it for their income. They own 20 horses, 100 goats, 30 cows and 15 donkeys. They regularly send the animals out to graze and fortunately so far there have been no accidents.

An adventure park is also located within this area. It is a place for recreation that includes outdoor climbing trails with three different levels of difficulty suitable for all age groups. Thirty-six different activities can take place there, including an adrenaline rush from the big swing.

Although the resort has performed well so far, many developments that the owner had planned to expand the business have been canceled due to the dangerous hazardous area that still remains.

Xheladin talked to us about how the remaining contaminated land has affected his business: ‘I wanted to expand the zip line near to the adventure area because someone had agreed to invest in it but when they realized the area was still at risk of sub-munitions, they withdrew the offer…I hope that in the future, after the area is completely cleared by the HALO teams, I will be able to develop my business and achieve the objectives I have planned.’

‘I want to thank the donors and the HALO teams for their tireless work clearing the area 100%. This is the best for everyone because this park is a national asset.’