During the age of the Republic Era, the planet of Kwenn was struck by a major ecological calamity. Prior to the High Republic Era, Kwenn's rich deposits of valuable gemstones attracted a large influx of mining companies. These miners inflicted significant environmental destruction, razing mountains, diverting oceans, and leaving behind enormous heaps of mining waste. This activity led to a deteriorating climate, causing toxicity to spread and inundate lower elevations. Throughout the High Republic period, the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic undertook numerous missions to Kwenn, spearheaded by Jedi Master Oppo Rancisis, in an effort to find a resolution to the catastrophe. Given the impracticality of relocating Kwenn's millions of residents, the Jedi and the Republic instead focused on revitalizing Kwenn's ecosystem through the Grand Renewal, a significant undertaking among the Great Works of the High Republic, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Gem Cities of Kwenn.