Our regional tree planting "Trees of Friendship" which is implemented in close cooperation with our local partners in all the countries of the region since 2020, will marked its 5th anniversary on November 27th with simultaneously planting almost 600 trees in 11 cities of the Western Balkans.
Over the past years, the “Trees of Friendship” have grown into an activity that serves as an example of regional solidarity. Hundreds of engaged citizens have come together to show regional solidarity by planting these trees together, at the same time across the region. These simultaneous actions were organized not only in the capitals, but also in smaller cities like Bor, Peja, Smederevo, Kosjeric, Zenica, Tuzla, Kamza. So far, a total of 2700 trees has been planted in 15 cities of the 6 countries of our region, involving 20 local partners.
"With our “Trees of Friendship” we primarily want to show how regional solidarity can look in practise. We are glad that we managed to include local partners and to grow this network of partners in the past few years. The cities of our region are repeatedly featured on the list of the world’s most polluted cities, and it is important to take joint and concrete steps to prevent this trend from continuing. Planting trees is one of the simplest among them." - explains Aleksandra Tomanić, Executive Director of EFB.
Our aim is still the same – to continue to demonstrate that by taking individual responsibility and informing the public about the seriousness of air pollution and climate change, it is possible to make a difference at local and regional level. The countries of the Western Balkans continue to lead on worst air quality in Europe. All citizens of the region are equally exposed to deadly air pollutants.
The 5th edition of Trees of Friendship is organized by the European Fund for the Balkans in cooperation with local partners - Eko Forum from Zenica, Foundation for Development and Democracy from Sarajevo, Karton Revolution from Tuzla, Environmental Territorial Management Institute from Tirana, RESU from Kamza, Green Renaissance from Peja, Air Care from Skopje, KOD from Podgorica, Defend the forests of Fruška gora and Vojvodina Environmental Movement from Novi Sad, and Association for Development of the City from Bor. Creating green hotspots on the map of the region, by simultaneously planting our Trees of Friendship will once again send the message of acting locally, and thinking regionally.
Watch the joint video from this edition.
