Prague’s Green Mission: Planting Trees for a More Livable and Sustainable Future

Since 2019, Prague has embarked on an ambitious path to transform its urban landscape and enhance city life by planting one million trees by 2026. Despite significant early progress, the path to achieving this goal is proving more challenging than anticipated.

Since 2019 Prague has planted over 620,000 new trees, a substantial achievement that highlights the city’s commitment to the initiative. However, the pace of tree planting has noticeably slowed. In 2019, Prague planted nearly 198,000 trees, but by 2023, the number had dropped to approximately 72,000. To meet the plan’s target, the city would need to plant over 180,000 trees annually for the next two years—a goal many experts consider unrealistic.

The million-tree project is part of a broader strategy to improve urban quality of life and the city’s overall environment. Trees not only beautify the urban landscape but also offer numerous practical benefits. In summer they help create cool spaces where citizens can find relief from the heat. Their presence makes streets and parks more welcoming, promoting social interactions and contributing to psychological well-being.

Jana Komrsková, Deputy Mayor for the Environment, acknowledged these challenges: “We are following the action plan, but we cannot guarantee achieving the goal 100%, as not everything is going as planned,” she stated. Most of the planting is concentrated in the suburbs, where space is more available, but there is a growing need to bring greenery into the city center. Trees are particularly effective in mitigating the “urban heat island” effect. By evaporating water through their leaves, they can cool the surrounding air.

Planting trees in Prague’s central areas presents significant challenges. The crowded streets and strict historical preservation regulations complicate the introduction of new trees. So far, only about 30,000 trees have been planted in the city’s streets and public spaces.
Experts stress that urban centers could benefit the most from increased tree coverage. Trees provide shade, lower ground temperatures, and improve air quality, all crucial factors for making the city more comfortable during summer heatwaves.

While central city plantings are limited, Prague’s suburbs have experienced significant greening. Areas such as Letňany Forest Park, Lítožnice Landscape Park, and Panenka Forest have welcomed the majority of new trees. Although the focus should ideally be on urban areas, the role of suburban greenery should not be underestimated. The green spaces on Prague’s outskirts help improve air quality and provide recreational areas where residents can relax and enjoy nature. They also offer critical ecological benefits, such as enhancing water retention and providing protection against intense rainfall.
The creation of a “green ring” around the city not only provides a green refuge for residents but also boosts Prague’s overall appeal as a desirable place to live and work.

Despite the challenges, the million-tree project represents a crucial step towards a greener and more livable Prague. The city will face significant challenges in the coming years, including accelerating the planting pace, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles, and investing in proper maintenance to ensure the survival of the planted trees.
The success of this initiative will not only improve Prague’s urban landscape but also serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges. While the goal may seem difficult to achieve, every tree planted is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Prague and its residents.

Sources: https://www.praguedaily.news/; https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/