Lasting green value of the European Cooperation Day 2013 in Estonia, Latvia and Russia

European Cooperation Day in Estonia-Latvia-Russia cross border cooperation programme was celebrated with similar symbolic tree planting actions in all three countries. Trees planted in parks of three near border capitals – Tartu, Rēzekne and Pskov are the symbol of cooperation and its long lasting durability, as well nicely complementing the green environment. Mayors of all three cities acknowledged the importance to increase urban green areas, as well the role of the cross border cooperation in socio economic development of near border cities. Third tree planting action took place in Tartu on 14 September, Saturday during world biggest Kids` Cross-country Cycling Marathon race in Tähtvere Leisure Park and 10 mountain ash trees were planted together with young marathonists.

  

Head of the Joint Technical Secretariat Unda Ozoliņa opened the action and stressed that cooperation is possible despite all the borders. More than that, this cooperation already has visible results; Project GREEN MAN is one of good examples of such work. She also wished that cooperation would be as much fruitful as the great mountain ash tree and it would be long lasting and sustainable as the lifetime of trees.

 


Mayor of Tartu City Mr Urmas Kruuse expressed the importance of cross-border cooperation between countries and gratitude to the Estonia-Latvia-Russia Programme for its remarkable benefits to Tartu city.

Partner of the “Green Man” project, which is also chosen as a flagship project for European Cooperation Day 2013 and co-organized the action, thanked the Programme for this initiative.


Folk group “Maatasa” from Estonia also in Tartu tree planting action performed songs in Estonian, Latvian and Russian. Young marathonists were inspired and danced with them.

  


They also appreciated the Russian style snack – barankas that were provided by the Programme. The same as in Pskov and Rēzekne whistles made by ceramists of all three countries were of high interest of children. The most enthusiastic kids took part also in tree planting and watering them afterwards. Great and very useful joint work was done!


  


 
Another flagship project “People with nature” presented by partners "Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation" and Tartu Environmental Education Centre offered nature education activities in their tent. The quizzes and short workshops on water plants and fishes were carried out. Children could make the postcards with sand decoration.

Old Estonians believed that the mountain ash tree has lots of protective power and beside the precious flowers in spring and colourful berries in the autumn the trees provide valuable food for birds in winter time.


 


Partners of this tree planting action were Tartu City Government, Club Tartu Marathon, Tähtvere Leisure Park.

Press Release after tree planting activies in English, Estonian, Latvian and Russian

Video release by Latgale TV.