News
An Aurès Cedar, representing over one million trees planted in an ecumenical re-forestation effort following the Algerian fight for independence from France, will be the center of a commemorative ceremony taking place on
12th December 2003, 14h45
Ecumenical Center - 150 route de Ferney, Geneva
The tree, planted in 1965 by then World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Dr W.A. Visser’t Hooft, was given in gratitude to WCC member churches and affiliated organizations for their support in building an independent Algeria over 40 years ago.
WCC general secretary-elect Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will welcome representatives who were active in the re-forestation program from Cimade (a French solidarity organization) as well as the former Christian Committee for Service in Algeria (CCSA). They will gather to identify the now 12-meter tall tree with commemorative plaques in both French and Arabic. In a reciprocal gesture showing continued solidarity with Algeria, seeds garnered from the now towering tree will be presented to Mr Mebarek Cheddad, former head of the CCSA tree nurseries, and Ms Chérifa Abid, currently active in maintaining traditional community skills - both of Algeria.
The ceremony takes place as the official year to enhance cultural, political and social exchange between France and Algeria draws to a close.