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 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 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 emphasized at the site that Debrecen, as a modern city, aims to develop not only economically but also to set an example in strengthening green infrastructure. He highlighted that the current program is the largest greening initiative in the city’s history to date, under which 3,400 trees will be planted in the Northwest Economic Zone, including the 300 being planted now. He added that the saplings just planted will form not merely a row of trees, but a true small forest that will serve to protect the environment and promote the well-being of residents in the long term. The deputy mayor also pointed out that tree planting is not a short-term initiative, but rather a conscious, forward-looking approach to urban development. He stated that the trees planted today will primarily create a more livable environment for future generations, while also helping to purify the air, reduce dust pollution, and improve the urban microclimate.

In his speech, Deputy Mayor Ákos Balázs emphasized that the greening program is a shared effort that directly improves the quality of life for Debrecen residents. As he noted, tree planting is one of the most important elements of the Green Codex adopted by the city, and its implementation is being carried out consistently, step by step. He pointed out that this is currently the largest urban tree-planting program in Hungary, consisting of several pillars. In addition to tree planting in residential areas, the “Let’s plant another 10,000 trees!” program, and the announced adoption campaign—which 200 families have already joined—the creation of protective forests and green corridors around the city plays an important role. The Jósza area is particularly important in this regard, as the forest corridors created there play a key role in reducing dust pollution from transportation and agriculture. In the fall, the program will continue in the Southern Economic Zone with government support. Ákos Balázs added that the completion of all afforestation efforts will create approximately 30 hectares of green space around the city, which is larger than the roughly 20-hectare Parkerdő forest surrounding Lake Békás.

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 emphasized that the urban forestation program extends beyond any single development cycle. Its goal is to create a more livable, healthier Debrecen. At the same time, they also highlighted that by reaching the final round of the European Green Capital Award, the European Commission has recognized the city’s exemplary program.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu