Local services
Debrecen residents can access the Environmental Monitoring System, which is equipped with high-quality scientific expertise and 18 monitoring bases. Information can be accessed through its website.
A new monitoring program was launched as part of the Green Codex, an environmental strategy introduced by the University of Debrecen and the local government in January 2024.
Details of the Environmental Monitoring System (in Hungarian “Zöld Őrszem”) were presented at a professional conference on May 14, 2025, at the ATOMKI conference hall in Debrecen, where its official website was also unveiled: https://zoldorszem.debrecen.hu.
In his welcome speech, Mayor László Papp first recalled the 3 terms identified at the inaugural assembly: security, development and prosperity. He emphasised that security is the most fundamental human need, and key relationships can suffer without it.
“Debrecen’s dynamic development comes with many challenges, and we seek and find the right solutions. Over the past 10 years, Debrecen has taken advantage of every opportunity life has offered. We aim to ensure economic growth occurs sustainably, understanding the environmental parameters surrounding us,” he explained.
The mayor referenced a public hearing in 2023, where he promised Debrecen’s residents that he would create this environmental monitoring system. Uniquely in Hungary, the Environmental Monitoring System continuously monitors five key areas:
- Air quality
- Water
- Soil
- Noise pollution
- Biodiversity
A network of 16 local monitoring stations in Debrecen and Mikepércs and two water-based monitoring sites operates 24/7 to collect and transmit data, amounting to 20 million data points annually.
The strategic framework document for the monitoring system was adopted in December 2023 and has been implemented with more than HUF 800 million of government funding and the city’s resources. The aim is still to provide credible information. Still, this monitoring system is very different from the one established by the public authorities; it is much more extensive. It aims to monitor and control the environment for the safety and well-being of the citizens of Debrecen.
László Papp said that the three most essential elements are proper regulation, a system that can properly analyse the data, and the Green Watch, which can provide the data to ensure that the situation in Debrecen is appropriate and sustainable, so that we can live safely and sustainably with economic development. He summarised that Debrecen is an example of how to live in a big city by thinking responsibly.
University of Debrecen Rector Zoltán Szilvássy stressed the unique challenges posed by industrial and economic development, stating that they must keep pace with development while ensuring safety. Scientific expertise provides the credibility needed in environmental decision-making. He summarised that the University of Debrecen, as an academic institution, has strong scientific credibility.
Péter Nagy, Scientific Director of the National Institute of Oncology, emphasised that the monitoring system was developed with the highest level of expertise. The experts and the clients envisioned an environmental monitoring system that could monitor the current state and changes. He said the system was a model for other cities and countries.
László Stündl, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food Science and Environmental Management, said that such a system had not worked before. In addition to the university, the Nuclear Research Institute, Debrecen Waterworks (Debreceni Vízmű Zrt.), and the Tiszántúli Water Management Directorate were also essential players in the development of the programme and contributed to the concept. In addition to the benefits of urbanisation, mitigating or eliminating the negative impacts is necessary, but this requires accurate data, he stressed.
Zsolt Dombrádi, Director of the Institute for Nuclear Research, emphasised the need to conduct proper research for society, the economy, and science.
Sándor Kéki, Deputy Dean of Science, pointed out that the observation data must be treated in context, with complex systems, and in a way that gives a very accurate picture. Knowing the ground states is very important because they can be used later to infer, so most components and parameters must be defined. He said it was very important to have accredited baseline surveys.
János Tamás, Head of the Department of Water Science and Environmental Informatics, said that accredited measurements are a great opportunity, and there is already a massive interest in groundwater monitoring at international conferences.
Ferenc Gorján, CEO of Debreceni Vízmű Zrt. emphasised that the historical development of Debrecen also has an impact on water. He recalled that the water quality in the city has been monitored so far, and the data of the current baseline survey showed the presence of pollutants typical of the urban environment. “Our goal is to ensure that the city’s water supply is in the best possible condition, both in terms of quality and quantity, and the data are expected to raise citizens’ sense of individual responsibility,” he said.
Szabolcs Lengyel, Director of the Centre of Competence for Biodiversity, Water Management and Climate Change at the University of Debrecen, pointed out that since biodiversity has no limits, they monitor many aspects—from plants to butterflies and vertebrates—to obtain data. More than forty biodiversity monitoring sites are being monitored, and the public of Debrecen is also counted on in the monitoring process.
András Hajdu, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics at the University of Debrecen, said that the data from the Green Watch website and app, which is being launched, will be helpful for the public. A specific alert system will be launched if health limits are exceeded.
Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the committee responsible for developing the system, Ákos Balázs, said that the team behind the Green Watch has been pioneering untrodden paths and exemplary work for the well-being of the people of Debrecen. “In addition to the economy, Debrecen also wants to be a leader in liveability. The city can draw on the university’s intellectual capital to adapt to change. In the future, the winners will be those cities that recognise and embrace the opportunities for change,” he said.
Miklós Kálmánczi, Communications Manager of KER Debrecen Environmental Control System Development and Operation Ltd, presented the Green Watch website. The website has been designed to be clear and accessible, with menu items including the latest data and information, an FAQ section, a glossary, a map, and contact details for monitoring stations.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
