The Olive Tree – Symbol of Peace The olive tree (Olea europea) has symbolised peace and friendship since antiquity. To extend an olive branch, means to try to repair a strain in a relationship, it also represents the symbols for reward, victory, strength, purification, fruitfulness, and peace. Hence, an olive tree has been selected to mark the beginning of the New Year 2023 with all its new hopes, and as an expression of humanity's longing for peace in the world.

This two-year old olive tree sapling was gifted to Marjan Nature Park by the International Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run and dedicated as a Peace Tree in Split, Croatia, together with park officials, on 3rd January, 2023.

An international team of Peace Runners led by Gordana Petrovčić, Peace Run Coordinator for Croatia, carrying the Peace Torch from Trstenik Bay, running up the Marjan Hill staircase towards the Peace Tree Ceremony site.

Marko Pejnović, Director of the Public Institution for the Management of Marjan Forest Park, receives the Peace Torch and welcomes the Peace Runners.

Singing the Peace Run anthem, which expresses the vision of a world-family living and growing joyfully in oneness and harmony.

... along with Peace Run Coordinator for Zagreb, Dubravka Radić, and Peace Run Coordinator for Split, Vyavasāyaha Anita Bušić, planting the Olive Peace Tree together as a symbol of the yearning for peace in humanity's heart which hopefully will grow stronger and stronger into a world-oneness-tree.

Vision of A Perfect Oneness-World "As the countless drops Of the boundless ocean Or the myriad leaves Of a huge banyan tree Peacefully remain side by side, Even so, all human beings Will someday live side by side In a perfect oneness-world." - Sri Chinmoy (Peace Run founder)

The beautiful view from the hillside down to the historical complex of Split with its harbour and the Palace of Diocletian, a UNESCO world heritage site.
O dreamers of peace, come. Let us walk together. O lovers of peace, come. Let us run together. O servers of peace, come. Let us grow together. - Sri Chinmoy, Peace Run Founder