Years of war has blighted the country and its economy

A unique partnership between two Scots charities will clear landmines to allow precious frankincense trees to flourish in Somalia.

Landmine-clearing charity Halo Trust is signing a partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RGBE) that will allow safe access for ecological surveys on rare, income-generating frankincense trees to take place in the war-wracked country.

Frankincense is exceptionally rare and is an important income generator for the people in some parts of the country.

It has a wide range of uses, from aromatherapy and skincare to traditional medicine and perfume.

RBGE will run a project investigating tree health, supporting tree nurseries and replanting initiatives.

James Cowan, CEO of the Dumfries-based Halo Trust, said: “War leaves behind a legacy of devastation, splintering the lives of people and destroying the fragile environments upon which they depend.

“By fusing our respective expertise, passion and knowledge, our shared vision of helping people to recover and thrive after conflict while restoring the natural world is brought to life.

“Together, we envision a future rooted in peace – where both the land and its people can flourish again.”

Simon Milne, regius keeper of RBGE, said: “This partnership represents an innovative alignment of missions.

“By combining Halo’s deep field knowledge and community networks with our expertise in plant science and conservation horticulture, we can support some of the world’s most vulnerable regions with practical solutions to strengthen ecosystems and livelihoods alike.”

The charities hope to carry out similar projects in other parts of Africa and the Middle East, where conflicts have affected natural resources.

Price Harry, Duke of Sussex, is patron of Halo Trust. Last month he followed in his mother, Princess Diana’s footsteps, and visited a project clearing mines in Angola.