The European Green Party (EGP) have reacted with disappointment to reports that a 600-year old oak tree in the village of Savinac faces being chopped down, so that authorities can build a highway. Noting the important work that Zeleni Srbije, the Serbian Green party, have done to draw attention to the issue, Secretary General of the EGP Jacqueline Cremers says:
© Zeleni Srbije
“Local citizens do not want this tree to be chopped down. Huge numbers have already come out to protest damage that the project has done to the roots of the tree. It is imperative that local authorities listen to their concerns.
“Structural development must never come at the expense of environmental and cultural heritage. It is a short-sighted attitude. We call on authorities to re-evaluate their plan and chose another route for the highway, that leaves this beautiful tree standing for generations to come. It deserves their protection.”
