Vice-Minister Golinska met with Giuseppe Bertello, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, together with delegates of the State Forests and Polish government. After the meeting, the Polish oak seedlings were planted in the Vatican Gardens as a symbol of strong relations between the countries. The ceremony was attended by the invited guests. The remaining seedlings, consecrated last year by Pope Francis, were planted during various ceremonies commemorating the centenary of Polish independence. Four of the consecrated oaks have now returned to the Vatican.

Oaks from Polish forests are a symbol of lively and strong ties between the Holy See and Poland, which regained its independence a hundred years ago, Pope Francis said during a general audience. It was on the 30th of March 1919 that the Holy See recognised the free Republic of Poland by establishing diplomatic relations. This tree also serves as a symbol of Poland’s commitment to the protection of the environment, the Pope added.

In addition, a meeting with Salvatore Micillo, Undersecretary for the Environment, was held later that day. The meeting was also attended by Andrzej Konieczny, General Director of the State Forests. During the meeting, the parties talked about the possibilities of joint actions on climate protection and sustainable forest management.

Forests play an extremely important role in curbing climate change, working as greenhouse gas absorbers, including carbon dioxide, which has direct impact on our health and life, claimed Vice-Minister Małgorzata Golińska.

The meeting also highlighted the main principles of the “Forest For Climate” ministerial declaration, also referred to as the forest declaration, proclaimed in Katowice.

The aim of the forest declaration is to showcase sustainable forestry and multifunctional forest management. This model of management can ensure the resources needed by the economy, while protecting natural resources, Vice-Minister Golińska emphasised.

In addition, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment met with Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. During the bilateral meeting, Vice-Minister Golinska pointed to the common concern for environmental protection.

Today, we know that deforestation and soil degradation are crucial issues, which is why we want to share our experience of sustainable forest management in Poland. We are promoting a forestry model that offers the possibility of sustainable resource management, the Vice-Minister said.

Cardinal Turkson expressed his gratitude for the Ministry’s efforts to protect the common good – natural resources – and declared his support for the activities and projects mentioned in, among others, the Laudato Si encyclical.