November 21, 2024

By Francesco Serafini, President TGoP

Dear Friends,

We are delighted to share with you an important piece of news, marking a significant step forward in our journey towards peace, tolerance, and coexistence among people.

Thanks to our collaboration with the World Olive Germplasm Bank at the University of Cordoba, Spain, we have successfully completed the necessary steps to prepare the shipment of 21 olive tree varieties, each originating from a different country in the Mediterranean basin and beyond.

Sicily, Cyprus, and Apulia join the global network of The Garden of Peace

 These olive trees will form the beating heart of three new Garden of Peace, to be established in places of extraordinary cultural, historical, and symbolic value:

• Valley of the Temples, Sicily: One of Italy’s most important and fascinating archaeological sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where nature and history meet to convey a universal message of harmony.
• Cyprus: Through an agreement signed directly by The Garden of Peace and the country’s Minister of Agriculture, we will create a garden symbolizing dialogue between cultures and mutual respect.
• Schinosa – Trani, Apulia: Within the educational agricultural estate, a space dedicated to education and reflection, where younger generations can learn about the value of peace through nature.

These gardens are not mere green spaces: they will become an integral part of the global network of The Garden of Peace (TGoP), which our association is establishing in various parts of the world.

Cultivating hope and coexistence: The vision of The Garden of Peace

 Our goal is to spread the powerful symbolism of the olive tree, a plant universally associated with peace and coexistence, reminding everyone that it is possible to build a future based on tolerance, dialogue, and friendship.

Each garden is a seed planted not only in the soil but also in the hearts of communities. It is an invitation to reflect on our collective responsibility towards the planet and one another. The olive tree, with its deep roots and branches stretching toward the sky, reminds us that we are all interconnected, part of one great tree of life.

This initiative is not only a milestone for our association but also a sign of hope and confidence for all who believe in the power of nature as a bridge between cultures and people.

We invite you to join us on this journey, to visit our Gardens of Peace, and to share this message with anyone you think may be inspired by it.

Together, we can plant seeds of peace and nurture a better future.

With warm regards

Francesco Serafini – President The Garden of Paeace