Debrecen is creating a ‘green corridor’ in the southern industrial zone of the BMW plant in the city, with the planting of trees and shrubs already underway, Mayor László Papp announced at a press briefing on site on Tuesday.
László Papp reminded that, in line with the new environmental policies launched in 2019, economic development in Debrecen must take place in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner.
The greening of the city extends to industrial zones, and as part of this initiative, they have started a tree-planting process in the north-western economic region, including the Józsa, Kismacsa, and Nagymacsa districts, where three thousand trees and over fifty thousand shrubs will be planted, he said. He added that in the first phase in the spring,
788 trees (linden, mulberry, ash, and oak) and five thousand shrubs will be planted around the BMW factory,
with the entire programme being completed over two years.
Deputy Mayor Ákos Balázs recalled that two weeks ago, the city’s Green Codex was adopted, prepared jointly with researchers from the University of Debrecen and members of the green working group, which is currently Hungary’s most significant urban greening programme.
He highlighted that by spring the Plant Ten Thousand Trees in Debrecen programme will also be completed, planting an additional eight thousand trees in the northern and southern industrial zones, as well as in the green corridors associated with the water management programme. In total, 28,000 trees will be planted in Debrecen, and the municipality will also start the renovation of the city’s old tree-lined avenues.
Ákos Balázs underscored that 28,000 trees absorb five thousand tons of carbon dioxide and 1200 tons of dust annually, providing shade over 90 hectares and reducing the perceived temperature in urban areas by six to eight degrees Celsius.
Hans-Peter Kemser, the managing director of the BMW Group Plant Debrecen, nailed down that environmental protection is of primary importance to BMW. So far, they have planted 350 trees on and around the factory premises, and they will continue this effort, also establishing a solar park on a 44-hectare area.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/BMW Debrecen/MTI
