Crucea
Location: Crucea commune, Constanța County
Project launch: Autumn 2022
Planted area: 28.5 ha
Objective: Establishment of a protective forest belt for agricultural land
Species planted: Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), common lime (Tilia × europaea), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), field maple (Acer campestre), dog rose (Rosa canina), European wild pear (Pyrus pyraster), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), wild cherry (Prunus avium) and Mahaleb cherry (Prunus mahaleb).
Canopy closure: Autumn 2027 – 7.5 ha; autumn 2028 – 21 ha
Current project status: Replacement and maintenance works
Partners: Westchester, Siemens, OMV Petrom, Filip & Company, Dr. Reddy’s, OSCAR, ADP, Cora, Greenbrier Europe, ENGIE, Auchan România, Qualitest, P&G, BCR Bank, Dimmer, Mega Image, Cargus, Deutsche Telekom, BRD Asig, Henkel, McDonald’s, Novo Nordisk, and individual donors who contribute through our Website.
Why This Forest Belt Is Needed
In Crucea commune, we are establishing a forest belt around a plot of land used to grow wheat. The trees will protect agricultural land both inside and outside the perimeter, and over time, agricultural production is expected to increase by 30–40%. The forest belt will reduce the intensity and speed of the wind, helping to limit soil erosion and drying. In addition, forests naturally help attract rainfall, which has become increasingly scarce in Dobrogea in recent years. The area has very little forest cover: only 5.4% of Constanța County is covered by forests.
Most recent work completed: Maintenance works, May 2026
