The Walking Forest is only one phase of the larger CleanAIR project, which is built up in several carefully designed steps:

1. Sensor Deployment:
   We start by installing a real-time air quality sensor network in Békéscsaba to detect pollution hotspots and collect environmental data.
2. Plant Species Selection:
   Based on scientific research, we select "superplants" — tree species with the best abilities to absorb air pollutants and survive harsh urban conditions.
3. Creation of Mobile Forests:
   The Walking Forest phase involves placing trees in special mobile planters and moving them to key urban areas, mainly places suffering from air pollution and heat.
4. Scientific Monitoring:
   During the Walking Forest phase, we:

• Measure how much the trees improve air quality.
• Analyze temperature reductions and microclimate effects.
• Track public usage patterns and comfort levels.

This allows us to scientifically evaluate which species and locations are most effective before permanent planting.

1. Permanent Planting:
   After less than a year, the trees will be permanently planted in sensitive areas like:

• Schools
• Playgrounds
• Kindergartens

where they will protect the most vulnerable groups for decades to come.

The CleanAIR project is financed by a special European Union fund strictly for environmental protection.
We cannot legally spend this money on social programs.
However, clean air is a critical social issue:

• Air pollution worsens asthma, heart disease, and strokes — especially affecting children, the elderly, and vulnerable populations.
• Improving air quality is a direct investment in public health and social well-being.

No. The mobile trees are planted in engineered substrates with controlled watering, drainage, and root aeration.
They are kept mobile for less than one year.
After that, they are permanently planted in places like:

• Schools
• Kindergartens
• Playgrounds

to filter air where vulnerable groups need it most.
They are also carefully monitored by experts from University of Szeged during the Walking Forest phase.

We do not use diesel trucks for these activities.
Instead, we are purchasing electric trucks, powered by renewable energy from the city’s photovoltaic (solar) park.
This ensures:

• Zero local emissions during transport and maintenance.
• Fully green energy use for charging the vehicles.
• Long-term benefits: After the project, these electric trucks will continue serving urban plant care, further reducing CO₂ emissions and contributing to cleaner city air.

Moreover, moving the trees between locations will be done by trained volunteers using special manual tools, turning this into a community-building, environmentally responsible activity.
This promotes citizen involvement, strengthens local communities, and raises awareness about urban greening efforts.

These are "superplants" — carefully selected species based on scientific research:

• Higher ability to absorb air pollution (PM10, PM2.5, NOx, CO2).
• Resilient to heat stress and urban pollution.
• Maximizing oxygen production and cooling effects.

The CleanAIR project is not just planting trees — it’s scientific urban climate engineering.

Sadly, no.
Békéscsaba face severe pollution episodes:

• In Békéscsaba, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels have exceeded EU and WHO limits by up to 10 times, especially in winter.
• Poor air quality harms children, seniors, and adults alike, causing chronic illnesses, missed workdays, and hospitalizations.

Ignoring this problem would be irresponsible.
Clean air is essential for a safe and healthy life.

No.
Every euro is subject to strict multi-layered auditing:

• National Control Bodies check every payment.
• EU Auditors can randomly inspect.
• All contracts and spending are publicly reported.

Fraud is virtually impossible and would lead to severe penalties.
Transparency is not optional — it’s mandatory.

Bike paths are important but funded separately through transport and mobility programmes.
CleanAIR is funded for environmental, biodiversity, and pollution reduction purposes.

That said, healthier, greener streets encourage more cycling and walking — they work hand-in-hand.

The mobile forests are the first phase of a broader transformation:

1. Immediate benefit: cleaner air, cooler hotspots.
2. Permanent planting: after the mobility phase, trees will be permanently installed in schools, kindergartens, and playgrounds.
3. Smart placement: based on air quality data from the sensor network.
4. Lasting health impact: for decades to come.

This is not temporary decoration — it’s permanent public health and climate resilience infrastructure.

CleanAIR is installing a real-time sensor network in Békéscsaba to:

• Measure key pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, O₃).
• Detect pollution hotspots as they emerge.
• Provide data for an intelligent pollution forecasting model that uses machine learning. The sensor network delivers scientific data, not guesses. This means we can foresee problems, act more quickly, and plan more intelligently.

The project develops a free multi-language mobile app for citizens. It offers:

• Live Air Quality Map: See pollution levels around you in real time.
• Pollution Prediction: Get short-term forecasts about worsening air quality conditions.
• Healthy Route Planner: Choose walking or cycling routes that avoid high pollution zones.
• Notifications: Receive alerts if pollution levels near your school, home, or workplace rise dangerously.

This empowers everyone to make healthier daily choices.

Volunteers are a key part of the CleanAIR project during the Walking Forest phase. Their main activities include:

• Helping move the mobile trees: Volunteers assist with safely relocating the planted trees during the migration periods using special manual tools (e.g., hand pallet trucks). All volunteers receive training to ensure proper and safe handling.
• Participating in community events: Volunteers take an active role in community-building activities organized around the Walking Forest. These include environmental education events, awareness-raising actions, and celebrations connected to the mobile forests.
• Promoting environmental awareness: Volunteers also act as ambassadors for a sustainable urban lifestyle, helping to spread the importance of urban greening and clean air in their communities. Who can join? Anyone interested—especially local students, young people, families, and environmentally conscious citizens. Public volunteer recruitment campaigns will be held, and volunteers may receive small recognitions and rewards for their contributions (funded outside the project budget).
• How to join? Details on how to register as a volunteer will soon be published on the project’s official website and through local announcements in Békéscsaba and Oradea.