Heidi Kuhn's Footsteps for Peace in Azerbaijan

This year marks 25 years of turning 'mines to vines' with Roots of Peace. To continue our mission of cultivating peace through agriculture, we are embarking on a journey around the world, opening doors to peace for our farmers and partners through our Footsteps for Peace Campaign. The campaign so far has brought us to Guatemala, Washington DC, Muir Woods California, and now Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan shares a northern border with Russia, and our humanitarian mission is focused on removing a single landmine and planting a grapevine—as an ‘act of peace’.

Heidi Kuhn, CEO and Founder, Roots of Peace, was invited by Umud Mirzayev, President, International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF), to walk the minefields of his childhood in Karabagh, Azerbaijan which was a lush vineyard region where his family harvested fresh grapes each year. Now, it is a ‘Black Garden’ filled with landmines/UXO, where no fruits grow.

With the professional leadership of Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan - ANAMA, Heidi detonated eight anti-tank mines. We must eradicate 60 million landmines in 60 countries and replace these empty holes of humanity by planting the Roots of Peace.

After Heidi detonated the mines, the team planted seeds in their place. May we turn ‘seeds of destruction’ into ‘seeds of hope’, and remind the world that no one benefits from the perils of war. Together, we planted a Roots of Peace grapevine on these former war torn lands, as we ‘dig deeper’ for peace in Azerbaijan and worldwide.

The plaque for our Roots of Peace Garden was established on the edge of this vineyard at Shirvan Winery as a tribute to our deep commitment to remove the millions of landmines and UXOs that remain deeply planted in the region. The grapevine is an ancient symbol of peace. The fruit of the vine produces grapes, raisins and fine wine, which represents the seeds we have in common—rather than those which separate us.

Let us heal the land, and remind global citizens to cultivate peace through agriculture across all borders to benefit farmers and families. Together, may we sow the ‘economics of peace’ on former war-torn lands in the region.

See all news coverage links here.