A special ceremony recently took place at Mozirski Gaj – the Park of Flowers in Slovenia, where a linden tree was planted in honor of dr. Peter Kozmus, Acting President of Apimondia.

As Apimondia is the world’s largest beekeeping organization, the fact that its Acting President currently comes from Slovenia holds particular significance for the country, which has a strong and proud beekeeping tradition. The event highlighted this connection and the important role Slovenia plays in global beekeeping.

On this occasion, Peter Kozmus was also named an Ambassador of Mozirski Gaj and received a lifetime entrance pass to the park as a sign of appreciation.

During the ceremony, he emphasized that in Slovenia the linden tree is more than just a tree — it is a symbol of community, dialogue, and friendship. Traditionally, people gathered under linden trees to meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships, making it a meaningful symbol for both society and beekeeping.

The initiative for the planting was proposed by Boštjan Noč, President of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, and carried out with the support of the Horticultural Society Mozirje and the Beekeepers’ Association Mozirje. The event was also attended by two local mayors, as well as members of the community, further underlining the importance of cooperation between beekeeping, local authorities, and society.

The newly planted linden tree is located near the park’s apiary and will serve as an important nectar source for bees in the future. It also joins a collection of trees dedicated to notable individuals, including Tadej Pogačar and Slavko Avsenik, making Mozirski Gaj a unique place where nature, culture, and recognition come together.

Mozirski Gaj is one of Slovenia’s most beautiful horticultural parks and represents an excellent example of how nature, education, and tourism can be combined. The park will open its doors to visitors again next weekend, offering a unique experience for all who appreciate flowers, landscapes, and the importance of pollinators.

This event is of particular interest to the international beekeeping community, as it highlights the strong connection between beekeeping, cultural heritage, and environmental awareness, while also promoting Slovenia and Mozirski Gaj as a destination worth visiting.