Urban forests: a global perspective

The main goal of this publication is to provide a snapshot of the current state of urban forestry around the world and inspire individuals and communities by sharing insights and experiences in urban and peri-urban forestry (UPF) from different regions. From the regional perspectives we can show how the approach to urban environments is undergoing a transformative shift, transitioning from holding cities accountable for environmental degradation to recognizing their potential as biodiverse and cultural arks. Each region covered in this publication has a unique environmental, cultural and socioeconomic context, leading to the development of distinct perspectives and strategies in UPF. There are differences in the approaches to urban forestry between regions that have experienced slow and gradual urbanization and those undergoing sudden and exponential growth. For instance, in North America and Europe, urbanization was a steadier process, peaking around the mid-20th century. As a result, these regions have long recognized the importance of urban forestry and urban greenery, and have developed specific policies, financing mechanisms and well-defined decision-making processes that have fostered an enabling environment for increasing green areas in cities. North America, for example, laid the foundations for UPF through organizational coordination and federal investments, while Europe’s effective governance models (e.g. the Boscoincittà Park in Milan, Italy) and promotion of social equity (e.g. the Picasso Food Forest in Parma, Italy) have led to other significant advancements.