Seychelles proudly joins the nations showcased in the “Forest of Civilizations” Public Art (Art Expo) Future Society Showcase Projects at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, the largest Expo legacy exhibition of its kind in history. This landmark installation unites countries through a symbolic gathering of these extraordinary trees, preserved for millennia beneath the surface, standing as living witnesses to the birth of human civilizations and now form an interconnected monument celebrating global unity and resilience.
As part of this global initiative, every participating country is represented by one of the over 130 pieces of these rare and unique 6,500-year-old oak tree from the Czech Republic. Bearing the name of each nation, the trees embody a shared “root system”, one organic entity that symbolically connects humanity across time and place. With their centuries-old rings, they stand as living witnesses to the evolution of our planet and civilisation.
Tree No. 116, now named after Seychelles, rises 3.3 metres tall with a diameter of 0.6 metres and a weight of 883.6 kilograms, including its steel base. Seychelles’ tree selection and plaque installation was facilitated by Ms. Myra Fanchette, Pavilion Director, and Mr. Ian Confiance, Pavilion Staff for Expo 2025. Visitors can engage with Seychelles’ installation through a dedicated QR code, linking to an audio message that shares insights into the nation’s culture, resilience, and environmental ethos.
Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Commissioner General for Expo 2025 said, “We invite the world to discover the spirit of Seychelles and deep connection to nature, which resonates with Japan’s belief in the sacredness of all life, through Seychelles’ participation as a symbol of resilience and unity in honour of these extraordinary trees in this historic Public Art exhibition.”
“This is more than a gesture; it is a living representation of Seychelles’ commitment to sustainability, global solidarity, and preserving our natural and cultural heritage. The Forest of Civilizations allows our nation to stand tall, rooted in history while looking to the future,” added Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing at the Seychelles Tourism Department.
The Forest of Civilizations is among the most ambitious legacy projects of Expo 2025, bringing together over 130 nations in a collective vision of peace, unity, and long-term cooperation. Tourism Seychelles invites all Expo visitors to experience this powerful global narrative and connect with Seychelles’ story within the Public Art project.
