Transforming Minefields into Vineyards, Orchards, and Fields of Flowers – “Mines to Vines” Movement Expands Worldwide
London, United Kingdom – April 4, 2025 — Roots of Peace, the global humanitarian nonprofit committed to turning “Mines to Vines,” proudly commemorates UN International Landmine Awareness Day with the launch of its international White Rose for Peace campaign. The initiative, unveiled this week at the UK Parliament, marks a renewed call to eradicate landmines and plant the seeds of peace—literally.
Heidi Kuhn, Founder of Roots of Peace and recipient of the 2023 World Food Prize, is leading the charge:
“The simplicity of a white rose carries profound meaning,” said Kuhn. “It’s a symbol of love and purity that transcends borders—urging humanity to replace the seeds of war caused by landmines with agricultural seeds of life. Each mine removed creates fertile ground for peace. Each tree planted nourishes future generations. This Spring, we call on people everywhere to cultivate peace through agriculture.”
The White Rose for Peace campaign invites individuals worldwide to give a white rose to someone—or somewhere—that inspires peace. Whether it’s a person, place, or story that brings hope, the rose becomes a shared symbol of new beginnings and solidarity.
Joining Heidi Kuhn at Parliament is Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, former Member of Parliament and vocal advocate for global peacebuilding, who expressed her support:
“I am honored and privileged to be part of the white rose for peace campaign, joining the multi award-winning and outstanding humanitarian, Heidi Kuhn, as she travels the world spreading the message of peace through agriculture. I was delighted to see support for the campaign by Parliamentarians from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the Palace ofWestminster. This endorsement is testament to the importance and resonance of this initiative.”
A Call to Action
This week’s Parliamentary Briefing on Landmine Awareness Day—hosted by MP Alex Ballinger and organized by The HALO Trust, represented by CEO James Cowen, and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), represented by CEO Darren Cormack—brought together leaders in mine action to address pressing global challenges.
The gathering underscored the urgency of landmine clearance and reaffirmed the UK’s leadership in the Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP), which supports humanitarian, development, and security initiatives in over 60 landmine-contaminated countries. Heidi Kuhn, CEO of Roots of Peace, was invited to deliver powerful remarks on the transformative mission of turning “Mines to Vines,” emphasizing the vital role of landmine removal in restoring lives, livelihoods, and hope to affected communities.
Global Participation Encouraged:
This Spring, Roots of Peace is renewing its call for advocates of peace to symbolize their commitment with the gift of a white rose. Select a friend – or an adversary – and present him or her with one white rose. Consider it an act of kindness that advances not only the desire for a peaceful world, but also of a world devoid of land mines that demarcate those regions where war is waged.
There are 110 million land mines still despoiling soil that could be used to grow crops. Roots of Peace focuses its attention primarily on vines that grow grapes, but all productive agricultural land is symbolized by one white rose, and all its merits a safe, robust, nutritious destiny.
Roots of Peace encourages global citizens to:
- Gift a white rose to someone who inspires peace.
- Take a photo and post it on social media with hashtags: #WhiteRoseForPeace and #RootsofPeace
- Support the movement at www.rootsofpeace.org
“Let’s spread inspiration, not conflict. Plant the Roots of Peace on Earth.”
Why It Matters:
- Each landmine removed creates fertile ground for peace.
- Each fruit tree planted feeds future generations.
- Each tree planted sequesters carbon to fight the climate crisis.
The global ‘White Rose for Peace’ campaign builds upon decades of work by Roots of Peace to clear over 100 million square meters of land in countries like Afghanistan, Vietnam, Angolaand Croatia restoring livelihoods and dignity to countless families.
“This is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a growing movement to heal the land and our humanity,” said Kuhn.
How to Participate:
- Gift a white rose as a gesture of peace.
- Share your story on social media with #WhiteRoseForPeace #RootsofPeace
- Donate at www.rootsofpeace.org.
About Roots of Peace:
Roots of Peace supports the world’s most vulnerable farmers and traders, removing the remnants of war and restoring agricultural productivity and prosperity. Roots of Peace is a humanitarian organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and the subsequent replanting and rebuilding of war-torn regions. Founded in 1997 by Heidi Kuhn, the goal of Roots of Peace is to turn minefields into farmland and support victims of landmine accidents. For more information clickhere.
