UNESCO proclaims “INTERNATIONAL OLIVE DAY”
UNESCO PROCLAIMS “INTERNATIONAL OLIVE DAY”
The olive tree, a symbol of peace, wisdom and harmony, contributes to the sustainable economic and social development of peoples
The Executive Council of Unesco (United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture) proclaims November 26 each year as International Olive Day.
A decision that underlines that the olive tree, a symbol of peace, wisdom and harmony, contributes to the sustainable economic and social development of peoples. The celebration of the International Olive Day therefore promotes universal values that unite human beings and cultures, as well as the protection of this millennium tree and the preservation of its perennial value.
It also stresses that the olive tree has been an element of unity and diversity of all cultures since time immemorial, transcending borders and allowing fruitful exchanges between peoples. It also recognizes its place as a cultural element with a strong presence in many artistic and cultural expressions, its role as a vector of cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange and its contribution to development processes.
The olive tree plays a fundamental role in helping local populations to take root in their regions, constitutes a barrier against desertification and protection against erosion; it is also an agent in the fight against global warming, capturing more CO2 than it emits into the atmosphere in the form of greenhouse gases during the entire cultivation cycle and during the olive oil production process.
This anniversary recognizes the impact of the olive sector on employment and environmental protection and the consequent contribution to sustainable development, as well as the virtues of extra virgin olive oil for health, its therapeutic properties and its nutritional benefits.
November 26th is an appeal to governments and populations around the world “to choose the olive tree as the protector of our land”.
The message we want to communicate is “choose the olive tree to protect our planet and our health”.
