Ginkgo tree planting

Fifty students from Lansdowne Crescent Primary School have planted a Ginkgo tree and decorated it with origami peace doves for the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. 

Joining more than 8,000 cities in the Mayors for Peace network, the ginkgo tree planting symbolized the importance of local peace movements that have grown in response to concerns about geopolitical tensions, conflicts and instability. 

Mayors for Peace cities are an alliance of local leaders and councils calling for a larger focus on disarmament, diplomacy and international law to prevent war. 

Hobart Mayor Anna Reynolds said that true and lasting peace required efforts from citizens in every corner of the world, not just international institutions. 

“Many Hobart residents, particularly young people, are worried about escalating tensions and conflicts and how this could spread globally,” she said. 

“Peace is not passive. It lives in our choices, our communities and our care for one another. If we want peace in the world we have to advocate for it. 

“Attending these events locally gives people an opportunity to express their views about the importance of working towards a more peaceful future.” 

This year marks 80-years since nuclear bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Ginkgo tree was sourced from a seedling that survived the bombing.