On 14 November 2025, the Békéscsaba partner of the LIFE IP HungAIRy project held a press event combined with a ceremonial tree planting, attended by Dr. Anikó Raisz, State Secretary for Environmental Affairs at the Ministry of Energy. Békéscsaba has set itself the important goal of preserving its good air quality and remaining an environmentally friendly, liveable town despite intensive agricultural activity in the region and the increasing urban traffic. To achieve this, a key element of the city’s air quality improvement strategy is the establishment of new forested areas at several locations, as well as the development and regular maintenance of existing tree stands.

The Municipality of Békéscsaba and the Békéscsaba Urban Development Nonprofit Ltd. are partners in the LIFE IP HungAIRy project “Improving air quality at eight Hungarian regions

through the implementation of air quality plan measures”, coordinated by HungaroMet Nonprofit Ltd. The project’s main objective is to improve and ensure cleaner, higher-quality air throughout Hungary.

Within the framework of HungAIRy, Békéscsaba is implementing two pilot projects: the installation of a permanent air quality monitoring station – already in operation – and the launch of one of the most extensive afforestation programmes of recent years.

The afforestation covers six sites, with a total area of more than 15 hectares. As part of the works, approximately 105,000 nursery-grown seedlings and an additional 1,265 saplings planted in rows will be placed in the ground. The afforestation contract was signed on 6 May 2025, and implementation began in autumn 2025.

One of the six locations is the CsabaPark – the “lungs” of the city – which lies close to the centre of Békéscsaba and covers 51 hectares. Over the past decade, however, a significant part of the existing tree population has been deteriorating. This is mainly due to unfavourable soil conditions and extreme weather patterns resulting from climate change.

At the 14 November event, Dr. Anikó Raisz, State Secretary for Environmental Affairs at the Ministry of Energy, spoke about the LIFE IP HungAIRy project, highlighting that particulate matter levels have improved in Hungary in recent years. She emphasised that “those who plant trees believe in the future”, noting that protecting the air goes beyond addressing the challenges of the present. She stressed the importance of passing on knowledge and values to younger generations so they can act responsibly to safeguard the environment in the future.

Dr. Beáta Bódi, Director of the Békés County Government Office, addressed the issue of reducing dust pollution, again highlighting the vital, future-shaping role of our children and grandchildren. She added that after trees are planted, faith, dedication and care are equally required, as “we have only borrowed this planet from our grandchildren.”

Tamás Herczeg, Member of Parliament praised the commitment of the government and proactive municipalities. He stated that forests act as protective green belts that enable long-term planning and will bring joy to tens of thousands of people.

Péter Szarvas Mayor of Békéscsaba provided a detailed overview of the HungAIRy afforestation project, presenting the experts’ preliminary assessments, the six locations involved, the work phases, and the types of drought-tolerant seedlings to be planted (ash, elm, maple, etc.).

Following the speeches, the ceremonial tree planting took place: State Secretary Dr Anikó Raisz, MP Tamás Herczeg and Mayor Péter Szarvas planted two 2.5-year-old black poplar saplings in CsabaPark. With proper care, these trees may live for 50–80 years.

The extensive Békéscsaba afforestation programme under the LIFE IP HungAIRy project – planting more than 15 hectares of new forest – will directly contribute to improving local air quality. The initiative has a dual purpose: reducing the municipality’s emission load and expanding the city’s green areas, thereby creating new community spaces with high recreational value for residents. Through this sustainable development, the city aims to remain liveable, environmentally friendly, and endowed with good air quality well into the future.