The unquestionably most important topic of 2022 is water and its scarcity, while we should be finding a way out of the crisis caused by the war, the healthcare challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the all-consuming and depleting capitalism, and the poverty affecting broad segments of Hungarian society during this transitional period that shapes our future. These are complex problems that will undoubtedly present significant challenges for future generations. To engage in finding solutions, we need to start working today to have something to engage in at all.
In our narrow home, Kecskemét, officially situated in the semi-desert region known as Homokhátság, the issue of water has become particularly significant due to this year's drought.
Water is the condition for life; without it, there is no city, no urban world
That's why among the invited guests of KECSUP EST, we have asked individuals who are well-acquainted with Kecskemét and who are actively involved in the city's development, drawing from direct experience and with sufficient insight.
Dr. Edit Hoyk, an associate professor at the Neumann János University Faculty of Horticulture and Rural Development, provided a novel perspective on establishing a relationship with urban trees. She argued that the monetary value of living trees best demonstrates the significance of our green assets found in public spaces. The researcher calculated that we are walking under a tree stock worth 1.4 billion forints in Kecskemét's main square. However, in a previous study, she pointed out that the proportion of green spaces in Kecskemét drastically decreased, by more than 30% between 2009 and 2017.
Kata Farkas-Barta, president of the Green Mission Association, initiated numerous tree planting actions and rain garden projects with several volunteers in Kecskemét. Most recently, they planted 30,000 tree saplings together with hundreds of Kecskemét volunteers. However, when necessary, she speaks up loudly, as she did when she fought alongside her colleagues to draw attention to the importance of larger green areas in public spaces with the cry, "We need more trees, hedges, and green walls!" at Centrum Áruház.
Vilmos Sütő, chief engineer of the sewerage services division at BÁCSVÍZ Zrt. He also participated in technical training at Kocsis Pál Technical School. In 2009, he received the Environmental Protection Award from the City of Kecskemét. He has been assisting the work of the Hungarian Water Utilities Association for decades. In 2021, he received an award from the Minister of Interior, the Kvassay Jenő Memorial Medal.
Zoltán Lejer has been a municipal representative in Kecskemét since 2019 and serves as the chairman of the Environmental, Urban Development, and Agricultural Committee.
We also invited Deputy Mayor György Falu to the event, but despite multiple requests, he did not respond.
The event will take place on August 30, 2022, from 18:15 to 20:00.
Location: Bozsó Collection, 6000 Kecskemét, Klapka Street 34, entrance from Fecske Street. Those who cannot attend in person can follow the event live on the KECSUP Facebook page.
The event is free of charge.
