Preparations have begun at the Jezero-Betanija park in Sarajevo for the implementation of the “Memorial Forest of Memory” project, which is being implemented as part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
The project is being implemented by the Government of Sarajevo Canton, in partnership with the Municipality of Centar Sarajevo and the Sarajevo Canton Construction Institute.
By symbolically planting 8,372 trees, the same number of innocent victims of genocide, a living memorial space will be created, a forest that will speak of memory, loss, resistance and renewal. Each tree will be a symbol of life, duration and collective memory.
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the importance of the culture of remembrance, educate the public about the symbolism of natural memorials, and actively involve the community in nurturing lasting memories through joint planting and nurturing of the forest.
The Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk stressed the importance of this project for society and future generations.
“Each of the 8,372 trees will be dedicated to an innocent victim. This forest will carry a message of pain and memory, but also a message of hope, life and togetherness. It will be a space in which citizens, especially young people, will be able to learn about the truth, develop empathy and build a culture of peace. Our goal is to preserve and pass on memory, so that the tragedy of the past will be a warning, but also the foundation of a more responsible society,” said Prime Minister Uk.
The memorial project will be a space for meeting and learning, a place where the silence of nature will speak louder than words, and every leaf and branch will tell the story of those who are no longer there.
In the coming period, the Government of the Sarajevo Canton, in cooperation with partners and the public, will continuously work on the implementation of all phases of the project, with special attention to the long-term visibility and sustainability of this unique memorial, the Protocol and Press Service of the Canton of Sarajevo announced.
