It was a great honor to plant together with Heidi Kuhn the symbolic roots of peace at the magnificent Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which was founded in 1670.
This tree is very special. It symbolizes a commitment to peace and marks the 25th anniversary of the charity Roots of Peace,of which I am honored to be a Patron and which brings fruits for a better future for the next generations.
His Excellency Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations wrote these words to the Founder of the Roots of Peace: “You have turned mines to vines by replacing the seeds of destruction with the seeds of life…(…)”
Gardens, poisoned with landmines are turned into vineyards, flourishing with hope.
This tree is our commitment to a mine-free world and to be the voice of all landmine victims.
The symbol of the campaign and movement for a mine-free world – “One Mine One Life” is a butterfly.
It’s a symbol of hope, transformation, and renewal.
This is heartbreaking that today in Ukraine there are newly planted landmines known as “butterfly mines”, which look like colorful butterflies. These munitions are now maiming children.
One day, this beautiful tree at the Royal Botanic Garden will grow and become a majestic tree, often visited by colorful butterflies.
It should be the only kind of butterflies that children know.
Angelika Jarosławska Sapieha
Initiator of the “One Mine One Life” Campaign and Movement for a mine-free world
