Mission and Vision
LET US PRESERVE SACRED TREED — A LIVING BOND BETWEEN LOCAL COMMUNITIES, NATURE, TRADITION, AND SPIRITUALITY THAT HAS SAFEGUARDED THE IDENTITY OF OUR LAND FOR CENTURIES
By applying the principles of citizen science and a multidisciplinary approach in scientific research, we are identifying every sacred tree — in the Šumadija administrative district, examining them from both a bio-ecological and socio-cultural perspective. Among them, we search for hidden gems — unique trees that have survived all ecological and socio-historical challenges that Šumadija has faced over the past two centuries.
We research, document, and preserve the stories and legends of the people of Šumadija related to these sacred trees ("zapis"). In order to safeguard and recognize their significance, we propose that litije (religious processions associated with the tree cult) be included in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia and nominated for the UNESCO list.
Petrović oak, Čumić
Venčane, litije 2025
Our vision is for the sacred trees to be recognized both locally and globally as a valuable and unique socio-cultural, landscape, and botanical phenomenon of Serbia. Using the Šumadija administrative district as an example, we want to encourage the development of citizen science across the whole of Serbia, so that all sacred trees and hidden gems in our country can be documented.
This is not possible without you. We invite you to join us as citizen scientists. Share the sacred trees from your area through social media (post a photo and tag us or send us a message), or write to us at treegems.citizenscience@gmail.com, and we will include your tree on the Map of Sacred Trees. To learn more about how you can get involved, click here. Follow our updates on social media and on the website — field measurement guidelines for citizen scientists are coming soon!
The mission and vision of the TreeGems project have already become recognized by the public. Through several public appearances and media guest spots, we have succeeded in presenting our ideas to a wider audience. In this way, we are building visibility and support for the further development of the project.
