By Francesco Serafini and Oriano Spadoni

Sharing Stories for Peace Through the Olive Tree

At The Garden of Peace, we believe in the power of stories to connect, inspire and heal. That’s why we’ve launched a new project that brings together people from across the olive oil world to contribute to a unique international book — one that celebrates the olive tree as a symbol of peace, diversity, and shared heritage.

This collective work is being led by Helen Melser, an olive grower in New Zealand for over 25 years and author of The Olive Tree in My Kitchen. After visiting the Garden of Peace in Chania, Crete, in 2024, Helen was moved by its message and decided to amplify its vision through stories from the people who live and work with olive trees every day.

A Book Rooted in Connection

The book will highlight the 21 countries represented in the Gardens of Peace initiative, which brings together olive trees from 21 different varieties to grow together in harmony. Each tree in the garden tells a story — and now, we are inviting everyone from the following countries to tell their own: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and the USA.

These contributions will help us explore how olives and olive oil are not only part of agricultural and culinary traditions, but also living expressions of resilience, coexistence and cultural identity.

What we’re looking for:

We are currently seeking olive growers, producers, and enthusiasts to share:

• A short personal or family story (around 800 words) related to their experience with the olive tree
• One or two olive-related recipes (traditional or modern)
• A few photos: in the kitchen, among the trees, harvesting olives, preparing food — moments that show the beauty of daily life in olive culture

The final book will be a celebration of these diverse voices and lived experiences. It will also serve as a way to support The Garden of Peace initiative.

Why Participate?

By contributing to this book, you will:

• Share your story with an international audience
• Join a growing community of people committed to peace, sustainability and cultural exchange
• Help strengthen the message of The Garden of Peace through real-life testimony
• Support an initiative that uses the olive tree as a global symbol of reconciliation and hope

How to Get Involved

If you’d like to contribute or learn more, please contact Helen Melser directly at:

Whether you’re cultivating trees, pressing oil, or simply sharing olive-rich meals with your family, your story has a place in this book. Let’s show the world how the olive tree continues to unite us.