Treeathlon: Small-scale sustainable urban solutions to improve ecosystem services and reduce traffic related pollution in Biharia and Derecske – Soluţii urbane sustenabile la scară mică pentru a îmbunătăţi serviciile ecosistemice şi pentru a reduce poluarea cauzată detraficIn Biharia şi Derecske.
The city of Derecske (Hungary), as project leader, together with its partner, the municipality of Biharia (Romania), has launched the project “Treetathlon: Small-scale sustainable urban solutions to improve ecosystem services and reduce traffic-related pollution in Biharia and Derecske”, JEMS code: ROHU00467. This initiative aims to support a greener and more resilient cross-border area between Romania and Hungary, with specific objectives to strengthen the protection and conservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and to reduce all forms of pollution. The project is funded through the Interreg VI-A Romania-Hungary Programme 2021–2027, with a total budget of €1,867,077.84, of which €1,493,662.26 represents non-reimbursable funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Implementation period and project duration is 06.05.2025 – 12.04.2027 – 30 months.
Cooperation for a greener and more resilient cross-border area between Romania and Hungary
The partner municipalities within the Treetathlon project, the city of Derecske (Hungary) and the municipality of Biharia (Romania), face similar territorial challenges on both sides of the border. These challenges are dual in nature: on the one hand, climate change contributes to the decline of ecosystem services, a phenomenon intensified in urban environments, and on the other hand, urbanization increases traffic-related pollution, even in smaller settlements. In this context, the project aims to increase urban resilience and create a more friendly and healthier environment for the residents of Derecske and Biharia. This will be achieved through the implementation of small-scale sustainable urban solutions aimed at improving ecosystem services and reducing traffic-related pollution, with the active involvement of local stakeholders and the community.
Key activities and results
Among the expected results of the project are:
– involvement of relevant stakeholders in the development of urban ecosystem services and in reducing traffic-related pollution;
– the creation of bicycle infrastructure facilities in two locations (in Biharia and Derecske), contributing to the safer use of the fully developed bicycle route between Debrecen and Oradea, thus encouraging residents of the region to use bicycles and promoting cross-border cycling tourism;
– implementation of small-scale actions which, on the one hand, contribute to improving ecosystem services (Trees4NextGens), and on the other hand reduce traffic-related pollution (Bikes4Rent);
– organization of seminars for knowledge exchange for relevant professionals from the partner municipalities; implementation of awareness campaigns, city events (Treetathlon Days), and educational programs in schools.
Long-term objectives
The project directly contributes to the development of urban ecosystem services in the Romanian-Hungarian cross-border region. The partners will host the website, monitor the trees planted במסגרת the Trees4NextGens activity, and operate the Bikes4Rent service. Furthermore, the project partners commit to organizing a partnership meeting after the completion of the project to ensure the continuation of the joint action plan.
Through the implementation of the Treetathlon project, the partners actively contribute to the sustainable development of the Romanian-Hungarian cross-border region, promoting a greener, healthier, and more resilient urban environment. The initiative represents a concrete example of effective cooperation between neighboring communities that share values, heritage, and a common vision, bringing real benefits to citizens, nature, and the shared future.
The Interreg VI-A Romania–Hungary Programme is designed to fund joint Romanian-Hungarian projects that address identified needs on both sides of the border and require a common approach, as well as innovative solutions, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the eligible area. The programme is a continuation of cross-border cooperation programmes implemented in the region and has a total budget of approximately €175 million, of which €140 million represents non-reimbursable funding from the European Regional Development Fund. The eligible area of the programme includes the counties of Arad, Bihor, Satu Mare, and Timiș on the Romanian side of the border, and Csongrád-Csanád, Hajdú-Bihar, and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg on the Hungarian side.