The sand wall, built between 1980 and 1987 across Western Sahara, stretches for 2,700 kilometers. As a symbol of the occupation and a military obstacle, it is heavily fortified with millions of landmines that endanger both civilian populations and desert wildlife. Research from the University of Porto highlights the severe ecological disruption caused by this barrier, which blocks traditional water paths and pastoral routes. This fragmentation creates "ecological traps," where local fauna is drawn toward mined areas. Since the resumption of hostilities in 2020 and shifting international diplomatic stances, the conflict remains unresolved. The wall continues to pose significant threats, with restricted access preventing effective landmine clearance and proper assessment of the environmental damage, leaving the Sahrawi people in a precarious situation.