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„The University of West Bohemia in Pilsen will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its founding in September, but the ideal time for planting trees is right now. That is why we decided to plant linden trees today, on 17 March. I am glad I could personally take part in such a symbolic moment. The linden is a tree that grows for decades, even centuries, and I believe the university will grow and develop just as long. I wish the university, its students, and its staff continued success and that it remains an important centre of education for our entire region,” said Kamal Farhan, Governor of the Pilsen Region.

The tree planting took place as part of the Zdravá krajina project in the wetland near Nýřany, a protected area located in the basins of the two streams. Both the site and the tree species were chosen strategically. Linden trees serve several purposes here: their dense canopies provide nectar and pollen for insects during periods of food scarcity, and they also act as a natural barrier against noise and light pollution from the nearby motorway.

Students and staff of the university, representatives of the Environmental Department of the Pilsen Region, and the leadership of both institutions actively participated in the planting. Before the planting itself, an expert from the Environmental Department demonstrated the proper procedure, after which participants carried out individual tasks—from planting and applying a protective layer to installing fencing.

For the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, these sustainability steps are a long-term commitment. “A university has many ways to be useful to the landscape and to society. Sometimes it is through research seeking solutions to major problems; at other times, through simpler actions, such as planting trees or managing food and energy responsibly. What matters is that these efforts do not remain only on paper. That is why we are especially pleased to collaborate with the Pilsen Region,” said Vice-Rector Jan Váně.

“The Pilsen Region and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen are not working together for the first time. Our active cooperation has been ongoing for three years. Most joint activities in sustainability are carried out at the Faculty of Economics, specifically within the Economic and Regional Geography (ERG) programme. This allows us to jointly address the current needs of the region, support research, and develop innovative projects with a direct impact on the lives of the region’s inhabitants,” added Petr Fišer, Regional Councillor for the Environment.

The collaboration also involves students. The Zdravá krajina project draws on solutions from their bachelor’s and master’s theses. Some students present their graduate work at public hearings during the preparation of landscape spatial studies in priority areas, or regularly participate in meetings of the so-called Implementation Group of the Pilsen Region.

Other forms of cooperation include Science and Technology Days and practical field-based teaching. One of the most recent locations visited was the Janovský Wetland.