The Ministry of Agriculture’s (AM) Village Tree Planting Programme, initiated four years ago, saw the planting of 4,000 trees this spring and will add 6,000 more this autumn, as announced by Márton Nobilis, State Secretary of the ministry, on Wednesday at a tree planting event in Balatonszemes.
Nobilis, responsible for food industry affairs and agricultural training, highlighted that this initiative, which began in 2020, is the largest village tree-planting programme Hungary has seen in the last 30 years. Thanks to this project, the number of trees ‘planted for future generations’ will reach 56,000 by the end of the year. He emphasized the programme’s aim to increase Hungary’s forested areas from the current 25 per cent to 27 per cent, contributing to climate protection efforts.
This spring, 4,000 trees were planted in 246 communities, with an additional 6,000 trees now being planted across 317 locations this autumn. In Somogy County alone, 48 communities are participating, demonstrating strong regional involvement in the tree request initiative.
Nobilis also stressed the importance of preserving older trees, mentioning that the ministry has previously supported the Lake Balaton town of Balatonszemes in saving an avenue of chestnut trees. During the press briefing before planting began, he added, ‘I hope our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will enjoy the shade of these trees here on the Balaton shore during summer.’
Mihály Witzmann, Fidesz parliamentary representative for the region, noted that the government’s Village Tree Planting Programme not only improves the visual appeal of villages but also promotes environmental awareness. Within his constituency, 11 villages are taking part in the programme, resulting in the planting of 250 trees.
Iváncsics Zolt (Fidesz-KDNP), Mayor of Balatonszemes, commented on the importance of tree planting, especially to offset visible construction along the Balaton shore, saying, ‘It is our duty to plant trees.’ He described the Balatonszemes beach as the most beautiful on the southern shore, where the planting of ten tall ash trees and twenty silver linden trees commenced following the press event.
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