In observance of International Mine Warning and Mine Action Day on April 4, a significant tree-planting event unfolded in the Tartar region of Karabakh. Organized with the active participation of members from the Public Council under the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), along with dedicated individuals from the first Women Mine Searchers project facilitated by the International Eurasia Press Fund, as well as mine victims and their families, the initiative aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing threat of landmines.
The event was inaugurated by IEPF President Umud Mirzayev, who underscored the pressing issue of landmine contamination not only in Karabakh but also in various regions globally. Mirzayev highlighted the extensive mine problem in Azerbaijan, ranking the nation among the top ten most heavily mined countries worldwide due to the actions of Armenian invaders during the conflict. Furthermore, the environmental repercussions of war, including the destruction of natural landscapes like the historical Sultanbud forest, were emphasized.
The tree-planting effort saw the involvement of participants who planted a total of 3300 trees in the vicinity of the Sultanbud forest, located between the villages of Buruclu and Khoruzlu in the Tartar region. This symbolic gesture not only aimed to replenish the lost greenery but also served as a tribute to the resilience of communities affected by conflict.
The photos captured during the event depict the collaborative spirit and determination of individuals working towards reclaiming and restoring the land affected by the devastation of war.