Debrecen4U March 18, 2026

Afforestation Programme Continues in Debrecen

Debrecen’s large-scale greening programme has reached another milestone. In the western part of the city, near the Józsa motorway junction, the planting of a grove of nearly 300 saplings has begun. As part of the largest tree-planting programme in Debrecen’s history, shelter forests and green corridors established around industrial zones are improving the city’s climate.

Debrecen has taken another significant step towards sustainable urban development: the next phase of the shelterbelt afforestation programme has begun in the area of the M35 motorway junction at Józsa, where a grove of nearly 300 saplings is being planted. The investment forms part of the city’s comprehensive greening strategy, which also places emphasis on creating natural protective belts around economic zones.

Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa stressed on site that, as a modern city, Debrecen seeks to develop not only economically but also to set an example in strengthening green infrastructure. He highlighted that the current programme is the largest greening initiative in the city’s history, within which a total of 3,400 trees will be planted in the North-Western Economic Zone, including the present 300. He added that the saplings being planted now will form not merely a line of trees but a genuine grove, serving environmental protection and public well-being in the long term. The Deputy Mayor also drew attention to the fact that afforestation is not a short-term action but a conscious, forward-looking approach to city-building. He stated that the trees planted today primarily create a more liveable environment for future generations, while contributing to air purification, reducing dust pollution and improving the urban microclimate.

Deputy Mayor Ákos Balázs emphasised in his speech that the greening programme is a shared cause that directly improves the quality of life of Debrecen’s residents. As he noted, tree planting is one of the most important elements of the Green Codex adopted by the city, the implementation of which is being carried forward consistently, step by step. He also pointed out that this is currently the largest urban tree-planting programme in Hungary, consisting of several pillars. In addition to tree planting in residential areas, the “Let’s plant another 10,000 trees!” programme, and the announced adoption initiative—joined by 200 families so far—the establishment of shelter forests and green corridors around the city also plays a key role. The Józsa area is particularly important in this respect, as the forest belts created here play a crucial role in reducing dust pollution originating from transport and agriculture. In the autumn, the programme will continue in the Southern Economic Zone with government support. Ákos Balázs added that, once all shelterbelt afforestation measures are implemented, 30 hectares of green space will be created around the city, which is larger than the approximately 20-hectare Park Forest surrounding Békás Lake.

The Deputy Mayor also spoke about the fact that, during the programme, tree species are selected that adapt well to changing climatic conditions and develop sustainably in the long term.

City leaders unanimously emphasised that the shelterbelt afforestation programme goes beyond a single development cycle: its aim is to create a more liveable and healthier Debrecen. At the same time, they also highlighted that, by reaching the final of the European Green Capital competition, the European Commission has recognised the city’s exemplary programme.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu