On Thursday, a symbolic step was taken for Halmstad University within the European University Alliance HEROES, when the first tree in HEROES Forest was planted in Picassoparken in central Halmstad.
“Halmstad University was the first University in the alliance to plant its tree, which makes the initiative a particularly significant milestone”, says Matilda Sommelius, Collaboration strategist at Halmstad University.
Matilda Sommelius broke ground for the tree planting together with Simon Lindgren, municipal councillor (M) in Halmstad and political spokesperson for the project Halmstad gröna hjärta (Halmstad’s Green Heart).
Since 2025, Halmstad University has been part of HEROES – an EU-funded collaboration between nine European higher education institutions. Together, the universities aim to create joint education, research projects, and collaborations with businesses and society to develop smart and sustainable solutions for the future. The purpose of HEROES is to strengthen the regional resilience of people, businesses, and nature. One part of the collaboration includes the creation of a so-called HEROES Forest – a symbolic act that highlights the importance of the forest in nature's cycle and nature's own resilience.
“Through HEROES Forest, the University also wants to highlight how international knowledge exchange can contribute to a more sustainable future – both locally in Halland and in Europe. At the same time, the planting of the tree is the first public event within HEROES in Halmstad and an opportunity to draw attention to the importance of the collaboration for the regional development”, says Matilda Sommelius.
The tree, a Halland horse chestnut, was planted during Halmstad University’s sustainability week in collaboration with Halmstad Municipality via the project Halmstad's Green Heart. The project aims to increase knowledge and commitment linked to the environment, climate and agriculture, which is well-connected to HEROES' regional work.
Links:
HEROES – a European University Alliance
https://www.hh.se/english/collaboration/networks-and-collaboration-partners/heroes---a-european-university-alliance.html
Sustainability week at Halmstad University
https://www.hh.se/student-web/content-a-z/sustainability-week.html