Urban forests: good for the planet, good for your health!

21/03/2023

Introducing COST Action UB3Guard for the International Day of Forests

Over 70% of the EU population live in cities, towns and suburban areas and the proportion is predicted to exceed 80% by 2050. We live in urban area because of jobs, education, facilities, social and cultural life but there are also downsides.

The European Commission has called on cities with at least 20,000 inhabitants to develop Urban Greening Plans, recognising the value of green urban spaces for the physical and mental wellbeing of people. The plan includes guidelines that set out the background, rationale, and key elements needed to produce and successfully implement such an Urban Greening Plan. Urban green spaces are also pivotal for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by providing universal access to safe, green, and public spaces by 2030.

Trees make up the backbone of urban green infrastructure and deliver invaluable ecosystem benefits to people. Urban trees filter pollutants from the air, assist with the management of stormwater and flooding, reduce urban heat islands, and provide possibilities for recreation, thus support physical and mental well-being. Urban trees also play a vital role in mitigating climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Climate impact

According to a new study published in The Lancet, cooling cities through urban green infrastructure would reduce by 30% the temperature in cities and the number of death can be potentially prevented. However, recent research has also highlighted the potential problems and ecosystem disservices associated with urban trees, including infrastructure conflicts, public health and safety issues, trade-offs related to the costs of management and maintenance of the trees, and environmentally detrimental effects.

Trees, are increasingly threatened by alien pests (insects and pathogens) that are introduced via trade and transports. In a new environment, these pests may become invasive, causing devastating environmental and economic losses, and threatening also unique cultural values such as those linked to veteran trees. With rising temperatures across the globe as well as increased urbanisation, it’s important to understand how our trees are impacted.

Based on this observation, a multidisciplinary network has emerged. The COST Action, Urban Tree Guard – Safeguarding European urban trees and forests through improved biosecurity (UB3Guard) aims improve the quality of life for people by supporting urban tree biosecurity through networking and sharing knowledge and ideas. It brings together 177 pan-European and international scientists and in 32 countries to meet this challenge.

This multidisciplinary network gathers pathologists, entomologists, plant physiologists, environmental and social scientists, landscape architects, and urban professionals. In addition, relevant organisations, NGOs, European and National associations as well as policymakers are involved to stimulate the exchange of information to develop solutions for urban tree and forest biosecurity.

A high priority

To protect urban trees from new diseases specific to cities, UB3Guard aims to develop science-based and socially-acceptable prevention strategies and technological solutions. This will involve co-creation and collaboration between researchers and stakeholders to identify existing knowledge and areas where further research is needed. The network will identify the most promising tools and solutions for rapid and efficient implementation of better biosecurity in urban settings. UB3Guard will also address the regulatory and institutional challenges related to the implementation of EU policies to prevent pest risks.

“Collaboration across borders that involves both scientists and stakeholders is essential if we want to keep the urban trees healthy. UB3Guard brings together a large group of people with different competencies and experiences. By joining our forces, we can support the development of sustainable and innovative solutions to tree health problems in urban settings. With the energy and engagement of this group that includes also several young researchers, we should be able to create an impact that will be tangible also after the project is over”.

Prof. Johanna Witzell, Chair of UB3Guard

The Urban Forest Health Wiki by UB3Guard

UB3Guard is also setting up an Urban Forest Health Wiki that will gather knowledge about urban tree health and biosecurity from multiple perspectives. A wiki-based hypertext publication that functions as an open repository that gathers relevant information regarding tree health in urban settings.

Urban forests and green spaces are key components in urban development. The Action will promote the scientific development of the next generation of experts in urban tree health. It will raise awareness to protect urban trees against damage caused by pests and pathogens.

Branching Out

Save the date: 2nd World Forum on Urban Forests, Washington DC 16-20 October 2023: Greener, healthier and happier cities for all in Washington DC. The World Forum on Urban Forests (WFUF) is an informal platform jointly developed by FAO, the Politecnico di Milano and Italian Society of Silviculture of Forest Ecology (SISEF). The Action will be involved so watch this space for more information.

Additional information

View the Action webpage

View the network website

The Lancet report: Cooling cities through urban green infrastructure: a health impact assessment of European cities

International Day of Forests | United Nations

Trees in Cities Challenge: Since its launch in 2019, mayors from across the globe have joined the initiative managed by the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section to mitigate the effects of climate change.