Japanese cherry trees at the Geological Institute of BAS for Earth Day

The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences celebrated the World Earth Day at the initiative of the Geological Institute (GI-BAS) on 21 April. Three cherry trees were planted in front of the Institute’s building with the kind assistance of the Japanese Embassy in Bulgaria. The Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Narahira, and the Director of the Geological Institute of BAS Assoc. Prof. Svetoslav Georgiev planted the Japanese cherry trees in the presence of the President of BAS Prof. Julian Revalski, Full Member of the Academy. The planting of a tree identifies the relationship “man – planet” and has a special symbolic meaning.

Japan and Bulgaria have enjoyed friendly relations for many years, said the Ambassador and stressed that under the leadership of the President of BAS Prof. Julian Revalski, academic exchanges and good relations between Japan and Bulgaria are at an extremely high level. Sakura is a symbol of Japan, Ambassador Narahira noted. The sakuras, which were donated by the Japanese Embassy, are a symbol of the good relations between Japan and Bulgaria, he said.

On the occasion of Earth Day, H.E. Hiroshi Narahira received as a gift from the Geological Institute of BAS mountain quartz from the town of Madan. The Director of the Institute, Assoc. Prof. Svetoslav Georgiev thanked for the donated trees and pointed out that he hoped that the celebration of the World Earth Day would become a tradition for the institute which opens its doors to students and young people and awakens their interest in science.

Throughout the day in the laboratories for pupils and students, the scientists demonstrated the possibilities for observation and research of minerals, rocks and fossils from Bulgarian nature. Among the topics included in the programme of the initiative were the geological preconditions and causes of the devastating earthquakes of 6 February 2023 in Turkey and Syria; the traces of earthquakes in the geological past; the danger of landslides on the territory of Bulgaria; the current state and use of geothermal energy in Bulgaria and others.

The official theme for World Earth Day 2023 is “Invest In Our Planet”. This involves gaining a deeper and more comprehensive scientific understanding of the Earth’s complex geological structure and finding smarter, much more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to use its natural resources for the sustainable economic development of our society.