One of the trees that germinated from the seven seeds sent to Smith College pictured here (left). Professor Takahashi works with students to reflect on the significance of the hibakujumoku, while John Berryhill is working on a display for the 80th anniversary in August.

The ginkgo seeds, sent by our CAFRE regional hub, have arrived at the Collège JB de la Quintinye and GrandChêne Section Internationale, GLH's new partners in France. Grateful to former UNITAR Hiroshima Office staff Kaori Okabe who made the connection possible, to focal points Elise Barth and Jodie Sokhan (pictured left) who received the package, and to school directors Mme Marescaux and M. Macé for their support as well as to the SEGPA students who will be taking care of the seeds.

Some exciting updates from Dr. Gerardo Avalos:

Ready to plant their first two ginkgos, one in the Japanese Garden at the Lankester Botanical Gardens in Cartago, the other on the main campus of the University of Costa Rica. They are also coordinating with the Japanese Embassy in Costa Rica, and hope to hold the planting ceremonies around August 6th, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

As part of this project, we are developing a children's book (for ages 5–8) inspired by the Ginkgo story […] This book is being translated into multiple languages—12 so far—thanks to a dedicated international group of volunteers, mostly young students, who are generously contributing their time and expertise. 

– Dr. Gerardo Avalos

Dr. Avalos also plans to translate the book into two indigenous languages in Costa Rica, as well as producing a physical book and an online version (which will have all translations as well as background music).

I hope to spread the word about building a culture of Peace and a future in which humanity will not have to face the possibility of annihilation due to atomic weapons and weapons of mass destruction. 

– Dr. Gerardo Avalos

We are excited to announce our new partner, Keele University! 

Some exciting updates from our dedicated partner, Dr. Rinny Kooi at Leiden Botanic Garden:

At the beginning of 2025, a hackberry (Celtis) was planted in Leiden, related to a Tree Peace Action in Leiden. In March, trees will be offered in the cities of Dordrecht and Breda. A Celtis in Dordrecht and a Ginkgo in Breda a Ginkgo. Another Celtis will be planted in Oegstgeest soon.

- Rinny Kooi, Botanical Curator

Dr. Kooi also plans to send ginkgo seeds to Wageningen (the City of Peace in the Netherlands) on May 4, 2025, to commemorate the day when the German Military Capitulation was signed, marking the end of World War II.

2024 marks the first time that the only Eucalyptus hibakujumoku—located on the grounds of Hiroshima Castle—gave fruit, which were collected and sent to our partners in Australia. While no seeds were found, we will all persevere and try again next year.

(Pictured from left to right in group photo: Dermot Molloy, Senior Curator Horticulture at Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne; Virginia McNally, System Garden Curator and Arborist at The University of Melbourne; and Jo Brennan, Horticulturalist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne)

Our stately Eucalyptus hibakujumoku, sketched and kindly gifted by Mr. Peter Sparber of Philadelphia. 

Best Wishes for a Peaceful New Year! 

PDF Version

In 2014, GLH master gardener Horiguchi sensei took a number of seedlings to Addis Ababa, the headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Hosted by then Executive Secretary Dr. Carlos Lopes, the baby seedlings were entrusted to the ground managers and gardeners. Thanks to Dr. Lopes (shown during recent visit to Hiroshima), we have now received updates on the little saplings, valiantly growing in the high altitude climate of Addis Ababa.

Our partners in Italy Tiziana Volta (WWWV), Antonio Brunori (Pefc Italia) and their  teams have continued to share hibakujumoku germinated from A-Bombed Trees seeds throughout Italy, with it the message of peace and ecology they hold. Since 2022, they have connected with the following projects in Italy:

1. Agrate Brianza, Oasi Vasca Volano di Gae (Celtis, May) 
2. Cartosio (Alessandria), Subject and elementary school (Ginkgo, November)
3. Collevalenza (Perugia), Primary School (Celtis, April) 
4. Ferrara, Garden May 20 and 29, 2012 (Celtis, May) 
5. Genoa, Gardens elementary school district Bolzaneto (Gingko, April) 
6. Rome, Giardini-Vivai San Sisto (Celtis. March) 
7. Rome Zen Center Anshim (Ginkgo, June) 
8. San Vendemmiano, Giardino-Laghetto Fossamerio (Celts, June) 
9. Taranto, Largo Pozzo-Talsano (Celtis, May) 
10. Trissino (Vicenza), Via dalle Ore-Via Verdi-Piazza Mazzini (Celtis, November)

Akiko Perona, UNITAR chief of communications who was instrumental in helping us plant a hibakujumoku sapling at ICRC, sent us photos of the tree as it stands (July 2024) — a magnificent specimen, clearly ICRC gardeners have taken good care of Hiroshima’s green ambassador of peace.