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Montpellier to plant 50,000 trees starting with fruit orchard near city hall
Montpellier announced plans to plant fruit trees in the Armenia Park next to the city hall.
Mayor of Montpellier Michaël Delafosse pointed out “these fruit trees illustrate the unbreakable ties that unite Montpellier and Armenia.”
He planted the first three apricot and five pomegranate trees with city officials and representatives of an Armenian delegation, noting that the species were chosen for their connection with Armenia.
Pomegranates have been cultivated in Armenia for more than three millennia and symbolise prosperity, longevity and fertility.
Apricots originate from China, but have been called Armenian apples since antiquity, when ancient Greeks first came into contact with them.
Gohar Galustian, vice president of the Armenian Association of Montpellier, pointed out “it is with emotion that we witness this planting since these trees symbolise both life and Armenia.”
“These fruit trees illustrate the unbreakable ties that unite Montpellier and Armenia,” Delafosse stressed and added “they are also a symbol of life, like the nourishing gardens that we want for the city of tomorrow.”
City authorities reminded that Montpellier is planning to expand its green areas and plant 50,000 trees by 2026 as part of the fight against climate change.
Besides building new parks and other public green spaces, the city is looking to plant new trees in existing parks and gardens as well as create urban forests.
