Firms, organizations invited to join Tree for Belgrade challenge

Green infrastructure helps reduce the urban heat island effect, regulates the microclimate and filters and cleans the air, authorities in Serbia’s capital city said. Mayor Zoran Radojičić, pictured right, has initiated a challenge called Tree for Belgrade to mobilize socially responsible companies and international organizations.

The city is currently the only one outside of the European Union aspiring to win the 2022 European Green Capital Award.

The Plan of General Regulation of the Green Space System, which was adopted this year by the Belgrade City Assembly, sets the goal for the share of green space of 25% by 2025 compared to the current 15%. Radojičić said 2.5 million seedlings need to be planted to reach it.

The first international organization to respond to the challenge is GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit. It has planted 163 trees in Ušće Park, with Radojičić participating. “I urge companies and international organizations to get involved in this action by planting trees and to contribute together to faster greening of Belgrade,” he said.

The Tree for Belgrade campaign’s hashtag is #drvozabg or #treeforbg. All interested companies and organizations wishing to accept the challenge and to take part will receive appropriate media coverage and visibility, the press release adds. They can write to drvozabeograd@beograd.gov.rs for all necessary information.

An adult tree processes nearly 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide in one year and releases oxygen that meets one person’s needs for two years.