Photo exhibition "Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe"

The company Pogrebno podjetje Maribor, presiding member of ASCE, has prepared a special photo exhibition at Pobrežje Cemetery in Maribor, Slovenia.

About the exhibition

The exhibition "Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe" showcases photographs and descriptions of some good practices developed by ASCE members as part of the ASCE "Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe" initiative, which promotes the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The installation presents the initiative, highlights activities implemented by nine cemeteries across Europe in 2024 and 2025, and also features the Peace Tree Project along with the cemeteries that have joined the project so far. These examples demonstrate how European cemeteries are actively working towards sustainability, addressing various aspects from environmental management to community engagement.

More than just a display of good practice, the exhibition seeks to raise awareness and inspire action. It invites visitors to see cemeteries not only as places of remembrance but also as key actors in sustainable development. By sharing these stories, it encourages communities across Europe to adopt similar approaches and reflect on sustainability in everyday life.

This long-term exhibition, located in front of the chapel at Pobrežje Cemetery in Maribor, Slovenia, is on display from September 2025 onwards.

Photos of the exhibition

*The entire photo album of the exhibition is available HERE.

WDEC 2025 in Koprivnica, Croatia

As part of the WDEC 2025, Komunalac LLC Koprivnica has joined the international "Peace Tree Project", which encourages the planting of "trees of peace" in European cemeteries.

About the event

The ASCE "Peace Tree Project" stands out as a symbol of European solidarity and a shared commitment to preserving spaces of memory and peace. The purpose of the project is to plant a "peace tree" in as many different European cemeteries as possible.

On May 29, 2025, a plane tree was planted at the City Cemetery of Koprivnica, as a symbol of life and growth, which over the years will provide shelter, shade, and silence to all who come in peace, memory and respect.

The planting was attended by Dubravka Horvat, a member of the Komunalac Management Board; Tanja Vukušić, Director of the Sector of Green Areas, Cemeteries and Markets; and Robertina Zdjelar, Director of the Finance, Accounting, Controlling and EU Project Sector, who was joined by her colleagues. Together, they symbolically contributed to the message of peace and unity that this tree conveys.

The plane tree was chosen for its symbolism of longevity, strength, and togetherness. Beside the seedling, a plaque was placed bearing the universal message of the project: “Live in peace to rest in peace!” This powerful message reminds us of the importance of peace, tolerance and reconciliation in everyday life, and encourages us to reflect on the values we pass on to future generations.

As part of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2025, Komunalac LLC has also created a digital information brochure to mark the occasion. It can be accessed via the link below.

➤ Digital brochure - WDEC 2025

The growing peace tree at Lister Lane Cemetery

A year after it was planted, the peace tree continues to adorn Lister Lane Cemetery, supporting local wildlife and reminding us of the importance of peace.

Importance of the peace tree

On 12th November 2023, a Hawthorn tree was planted at Lister Lane Cemetery in Halifax, United Kingdom, as part of the ASCE Peace Tree Project. The project encourages the planting of trees at cemeteries worldwide as a living reminder to "Live in peace to rest in peace".

The Hawthorn, chosen for its longevity and significance to local wildlife, is now thriving in the cemetery. Its beautiful blossoms provide food for bees, and the berries attract birds, contributing to the delicate ecosystem of the cemetery grounds.

This tree is not just a symbol of remembrance but also of growth, renewal, and the importance of fostering peace in our daily lives. As it grows, so too does our hope for a peaceful future.

Planting a peace tree at Lister Lane Cemetery

On 12 November 2023, a peace tree was planted at Lister Lane Cemetery in Halifax, United Kingdom.

About the Peace Tree Project

The ASCE Peace Tree Project aims to encourage ASCE members to plant a tree at their cemeteries as a symbolic reminder of the importance of peace, not only after death but also during life. In doing so, the central message of the project is spread: “Live in peace to rest in peace!”.

The planting of the first tree and thereby the official start of the project took place at Pobrežje Cemetery in Maribor, Slovenia, on 25 May 2023.

You can find more details about the project HERE.

Peace Tree at Lister Lane Cemetery

On 12 November 2023, the United Kingdom Remembrance Sunday, a peace tree was planted at Lister Lane Cemetery in Halifax.

The tree is a Hawthorn which is a long living native tree whith many flowers and berries. This is particularly important since the flowers are needed for the bees and berries for the birds living in the cemetery.

Insignia unveiling and peace tree planting at Kifissia Cemetery

From 6 to 8 September 2023, a series of special events that took place at the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia, Greece.

About the events

The Municipality of Kifissia (Greece) organised a series of special events that took place from 6 to 8 September 2023 to celebrate the inclusion of the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia in the European Cemeteries Route and joining the Peace tree project.

One of the main events was the ceremonial inauguration of the ASCE and European Cemeteries Route insignia at the cemetery's entrance. ASCE President, Lidija Pliberšek, and the Mayor of Kifissia, Georgios Thomakos, jointly unveiled the insignias, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries and key representatives of the city and the cemetery. This act symbolically marked the inclusion of the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia in the European Cemeteries Route and highlighted the town's dedication to preserving the cemetery's rich cultural heritage and historical legacy.

In addition, the Peace Tree Project, which started during the Week of  Discovering European Cemeteries 2023, took another step forward. Following the successful planting of peace trees in Maribor and Budapest, the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia became the proud home of the third peace tree. The purpose of the project is to plant a "peace tree" in as many different European cemeteries as possible, serving as a reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation, while spreading the message “Live in peace to rest in peace!”.

Photos from the events:

Planting a peace tree in Budapest

On 26 May 2023, a tree was planted at the Fiumei Road Cemetery in Budapest as part of the ASCE Peace Tree Project.

The Peace Tree Project

The ASCE Peace Tree Project aims to encourage ASCE members to plant a tree at their cemeteries as a symbolic reminder of the importance of peace, not only after death but also during life. In doing so, the central message of the project is spread: “Live in peace to rest in peace!”.

The planting of the first tree and thereby the official start of the project took place at Pobrežje Cemetery in Maribor, Slovenia, on 25 May 2023.

The second peace tree was planted a day after that, on 26 May 2023, in the Fiumei Road Cemetery in Budapest, Hungary.

You can find more details about the project HERE.