Urban Forestation: the green future of cities

Urban forestation is one of the most effective strategies for improving the quality of life in cities, combating the climate crisis, and enhancing citizens’ well-being. In recent years, thanks to public and private funding programs such as the PNRR, the Complemento regionale per lo sviluppo rurale (CSR), and other regional initiatives, many public administrations have been investing in new green spaces to make cities more resilient.

Trees and urban forests provide a range of crucial benefits, from mitigating air pollution to protecting biodiversity. But what exactly does urban forestation mean, and what advantages can it bring?

What Is Urban Forestation and Nature-Based Solutions?

Urban forestation involves creating, managing, and enhancing green areas in cities through planting and caring for new trees. This approach is part of nature-based solutions, strategies inspired by natural processes to address environmental and social challenges. In the context of increasing urbanization, these interventions are essential for reducing the negative impacts of urban expansion, improving air quality, and counteracting the urban heat island effect.

Nature-based solutions go beyond tree planting; they also include the design of green infrastructures such as green roofs, living walls, and multifunctional urban parks. These solutions enhance cities’ adaptability to climate change by reducing flood risks, improving stormwater management, and fostering more significant interaction between people and nature.

Planning Urban Green Spaces: The 3-30-300 Rule

A commonly used guideline for urban green planning is the 3-30-300 rule, developed by urban forestry expert Cecil Konijnendijk. This rule provides a simple yet powerful criterion for urban reforestation planning:

• Each person should be able to see at least three trees from their home.
• They should live in a neighbourhood with 30% tree coverage.
• They should be no more than 300 meters away from a green area.

This approach enhances citizens’ physical and mental well-being and strengthens cities’ resilience against climate challenges, making urban forestation a fundamental priority.

The Benefits of Urban Forestation

Investing in urban forests and green spaces significantly benefits the environment and human health. Trees and plants improve air quality by filtering fine particles and reducing greenhouse gas concentrations, but they also help regulate urban temperatures, mitigating the effects of heat waves.

Environmental Benefits

• Air pollution reduction: Trees absorb CO2 and other harmful substances, improving air quality.
• Mitigation of urban heat islands: Urban vegetation helps lower city temperatures and reduces energy consumption for cooling buildings.
• Increase in biodiversity: Urban forests create habitats for many animal and plant species, enhancing ecosystem resilience.

Health and Well-Being Benefits

• Improve mental and physical well-being: Contact with nature reduces stress, improves mood, and promotes socialization.
• Increase physical activity: Urban green areas encourage people to walk, run, and engage in outdoor sports.

Better quality of life: Parks and green spaces foster social cohesion by providing places for community interaction and engagement.

Urban Forestation Projects: The UFOREST Case

Etifor is actively involved in promoting urban forestation initiatives. A concrete example is the UFOREST project, which aims to enhance cities’ ability to implement nature-based solutions to address environmental and social challenges. UFOREST actively involves public administrations, research institutions, businesses, and citizens in developing effective urban green management and enhancement strategies.

UFOREST promotes urban silviculture—an innovative approach to managing urban forests that considers natural tree growth, selecting species best suited to urban environments, and sustainable maintenance. The project has created new green areas in various European cities, improving local communities’ well-being and increasing urban environmental resilience.

How Etifor Supports Public Administrations in Urban Forestation

Thanks to its expertise in the field, Etifor provides strategic consultancy to develop urban forestation projects, assisting public administrations in:

• Accessing funding: We help institutions obtain funds for implementing urban green projects.
• Planning and implementing sustainable urban green interventions: From designing green spaces to selecting the most suitable species for a lasting positive impact. We also manage project implementation directly.
• Monitoring environmental impacts: We use scientific tools to measure urban forests’ benefits and continuously improve management strategies.
• Engaging stakeholders and citizens: The success of urban forestation depends on involving local communities through awareness and active participation initiatives.

One example is the project in collaboration with the Municipality of Padua—Padova O2: a plan to bring back greenery to the city with 10,000 new trees, restoring green spaces and biodiversity.

Our contribution

Urban forestation is an environmental solution and an opportunity to build more livable, healthy, and resilient cities. Increasing green areas in urban settings helps combat climate change and pollution and enhances citizens’ quality of life.

With available funding and support from organizations like Etifor, public administrations can transform cities through urban green interventions. If you want to learn more about this topic or start a project, explore our services and contact us for a personalized consultation!