The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Johann Sattler, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Stari Grad, Irfan Čengić, today symbolically planted a linden tree in the “Ambassadors’ Alley” in the municipality of Stari Grad.

Since 2002, 238 ambassadors accredited to Bosnia and Herzegovina and high-ranking representatives of international organizations have planted linden trees along this avenue.

Ambassador Sattler’s linden tree stands directly on the route of the future Sarajevo-Pale cycle path, the construction of which is being funded by the European Union with 2.3 million euros and is being implemented in cooperation with the cities of Sarajevo, East Sarajevo and the municipalities of Stari Grad, Pale and East Stari Grad.

This project is part of the European Union’s ongoing support for the development of sustainable tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project itself includes the construction of a 13-kilometer route, which includes the construction of several bridges and tunnels.

“This specific project is in line with the development strategy of the municipality of Stari Grad, and soon we will present new projects for which we will obtain permits from the relevant institutions. In the coming period, I will personally work to bring this project to life, despite all the restrictions imposed in protected areas such as Dariva.“, stressed Mayor Čengić.

“This is a special moment for me as I have had the honour to take part in the long-standing tradition of tree planting by Ambassadors serving in this country. Planting trees is a wonderful way to celebrate life and I am delighted to contribute to this tradition. This event today is particularly important to me as the project of a bicycle path along the narrow-gauge railway is very close to my heart and we presented it last week. This event also coincides with my last week as Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina and I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the authorities with whom we have worked tirelessly over the last five years to make progress. I can truly say that this country has become my second home.“, said Ambassador Sattler.

After the tree planting ceremony, Mayor Čengić presented the Ambassador with a planting certificate as a token of gratitude and to commemorate the occasion.