By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a poignant ceremony blending history, nature, and diplomacy, a new symbol of peace has been planted on Costa Rican soil. The Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, planted a young tree descended from a survivor of the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The ginkgo biloba sapling was planted in the gardens of the Japanese ambassador’s residence, marking the fourth such tree in the country dedicated to this powerful global initiative.
This act is part of a worldwide project spearheaded by the Green Legacy Hiroshima organization, which seeks to distribute seeds and saplings from “Hibakujumoku,” or survivor trees, to foster a global message of peace, resilience, and hope. These living relics, which withstood the unimaginable devastation of the atomic blast, serve as a potent reminder of both human conflict and nature’s enduring power to heal and regenerate.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications surrounding the international sharing of such historically significant biological assets, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate and international law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The international distribution of seeds from Hiroshima’s survivor trees transcends simple diplomacy; it engages complex legal frameworks. We must consider the principles of national cultural heritage, the strict phytosanitary regulations governing the transfer of biological material across borders, and the ethical use of such a profound symbol. For any organization, public or private, involved in this process, it’s crucial to navigate these areas carefully to ensure the act remains one of pure goodwill and avoids any perception of commercial exploitation or biosecurity negligence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas brings a crucial perspective to the forefront: for a gesture of peace to be truly successful, it must be executed with legal and ethical diligence. This careful navigation of international frameworks ensures that the profound symbolism of the survivor trees is honored and protected, not undermined. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into these complex but essential considerations.
The journey of these historic seeds to Costa Rica began in 2020 when Green Legacy Hiroshima donated them to the UCR’s School of Biology. Through the dedicated expertise of the Lankester Botanical Garden, a UCR-affiliated research center, the university successfully germinated the seeds. This careful cultivation has yielded a promising future for the project, with the research center now nurturing approximately 40 young plants and an additional 90 seeds, ensuring the legacy can continue to spread.
The significance of Costa Rica’s role in this initiative was formally recognized when Green Legacy Hiroshima designated the University of Costa Rica as its official “regional hub” for Latin America. This appointment solidifies the university’s leadership in conserving these unique botanical descendants and amplifies its responsibility to help disseminate the project’s profound message of peace throughout the region.
Thus, Hiroshima was reborn as a city full of life thanks to the power of vegetation
ISHIBASHI, Ambassador of Japan in Costa Rica
During the ceremony, Ambassador Ishibashi reflected on the aftermath of the bombing. He recalled the widespread belief at the time that nothing would grow in Hiroshima for decades. “However, new shoots and flowers emerged from the affected trees and accompanied the reconstruction of the city,” he noted, highlighting how the resurgence of plant life became a beacon of hope for its citizens and the world.
The planting at the ambassador’s residence on May 27th is the latest in a series of symbolic placements that began last year. The other three trees are located at significant national institutions: one stands before the Carlos Monge Library on the UCR’s main Rodrigo Facio campus, another graces the Japanese garden at the Lankester Botanical Garden in Cartago, and a third has been planted at the University for Peace, a UN-mandated institution.
The Embassy of Japan has affirmed its commitment to continue this initiative, with plans to place more of these survivor trees in public spaces across Costa Rica. The objective is to make their story accessible to all, allowing citizens and visitors to connect with the powerful history and the forward-looking message of hope they represent. Through this unique botanical collaboration, Costa Rica and Japan are jointly contributing to the global dialogue on peace, using the silent, resilient growth of trees to speak volumes.
This enduring partnership demonstrates a shared vision for a world free from nuclear conflict. Each ginkgo biloba sapling that takes root is more than just a tree; it is a living monument to survival, a classroom for future generations on the importance of peace, and a testament to the idea that even after the darkest of times, life, hope, and resilience can, and will, flourish.
For further information, visit cr.emb-japan.go.jp
About the Embassy of Japan in Costa Rica:
The Embassy of Japan in Costa Rica represents the Japanese government and is responsible for maintaining and strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations between the two nations. It facilitates bilateral cooperation on various fronts, including development aid, trade, and cultural exchange programs, while promoting shared values such as peace, democracy, and environmental protection.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About the University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. Renowned for its strong emphasis on research, teaching, and social action, the UCR is a leading academic institution in Central America. It plays a critical role in the nation’s scientific, social, and cultural development across its various campuses and research centers.
For further information, visit glh.unitar.org
About Green Legacy Hiroshima:
Green Legacy Hiroshima is a global volunteer campaign, run in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), dedicated to disseminating the seeds and saplings of trees that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Its mission is to share the universal message of peace and the resilience of nature by planting these “Hibakujumoku” (survivor trees) in botanical gardens, universities, and parks worldwide.
For further information, visit jbl.ucr.ac.cr
About Lankester Botanical Garden:
Affiliated with the University of Costa Rica, the Lankester Botanical Garden (JBL) is a prominent research center dedicated to the study and conservation of epiphytic plants, particularly orchids. Located in Cartago, it serves as a vital hub for botanical research, education, and conservation in Central America, housing one of the world’s most significant collections of orchids.
For further information, visit rree.go.cr
About the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship is the government body responsible for managing Costa Rica’s international relations and foreign policy. It oversees the country’s diplomatic missions abroad and works to promote Costa Rica’s interests on the global stage, upholding its long-standing traditions of peace, neutrality, and respect for international law.
For further information, visit upeace.org
About the University for Peace (UPEACE):
Established by a UN General Assembly resolution in 1980, the University for Peace is a global academic institution located in Costa Rica dedicated to the study of peace. Its mission is to provide humanity with an international institution for higher education for peace with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its unwavering dedication to principled counsel and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm merges a rich heritage of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond its practice, fueling a core mission to empower the community by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby cultivating a more informed and capable society.
