We kindly invite all EFUF members and EFUF enthousiasts to participate in the Annual General Assembly on Wednesday 22 May 2024, between 18:00 and 19:30, in the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology of the University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
The agenda for this meeting is (Presentation in pdf including background information):
page 129 – correction of affiliation for Sitzia, Tomasso: Sitzia, Tommaso | Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (TESAF), Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD)
Uforest, a Knowledge Alliance project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission, aims to contribute to the development of entrepreneurial and innovation approaches within the sphere of urban forestry through developing diverse partnerships with universities, cities, businesses, public administrations, NGOs and local citizens. In so doing, the Project seeks to redefine the Urban Forestry sector through nurturing a culture of collaboration and cross-sector working to develop an Alliance of urban forestry stakeholders across Europe.
Does it perhaps remind you of something? Following the conclusion of the Uforest project, the diverse partners are eager to secure Uforest’s legacy by fostering an enduring partnership with the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF), which has cherished similar aspirations and desires for years concerning the urban forestry sector in Europe.
The European Urban Forestry Week
Promoted by Uforest, this “green week” aimed to raise awareness on the environmental, social and health benefits that urban green areas can provide for present and for future generations. The week program unfolded with local planting events taking place across four different European cities: Barcelona, Brasov, Dublin and Milan, resulting in four new urban forests, which were established in collaboration with WOW nature platform.
Each newly planted urban forest is designed to address the specific needs of the different localities and the aspirations of the local communities concerned.
1) Barcelona: Climatic refugia – for heat mitigation and shadow while promoting biodiversity conservation and reasonable use of water.
2) Brasov: Smart-Tech forest – installation of meteorological, pedological and spectral sensors to monitor environmental variables
3) Dublin: the Darndale donut – to provide a green space for recreational and educational activities while provide shelter and enhance an existing fishpond
4) Milan: Tiny forests – transform an unmanaged green space by two tiny forests (Miyawaki method), maximising the available space and enhancing the use of different species.
If you want to know more, please visit the dedicated webpage:
EFUF 2024 –Urban Forests for All – 22 to 24 May 2024, Zagreb (Croatia)
The 26th European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF) invites researchers and professionals dealing with urban forests and green spaces to submit abstracts for a wide range of contributions. EFUF emphasises the connection of practice and scientific knowledge, encouraging a variety of possible formats to contribute to the conference. We welcome practice-oriented contributions, research contributions as well as proposals for workshops and demonstrations.
31 Jan 8:00 (CET) – Due to a technical problem with the provider of the submission platform, it is impossible to submit abstracts since 3:00 this morning. We apoligise for this and are monitoring the situation. If needed, the deadline will be extended with a few days.
Update 10:00 – the system is up and running again.
Abstract Topics
Contributions to the 26th European Forum on Urban Forestry will explore these aspects.
Theme 1: Urban Forests for People and Society
This theme will explore how urban forests and urban green spaces are important for people and society. Abstracts should cover the social aspects of urban forests and urban green space planning and management aimed at enhancing the happiness and health of citizens.
Inclusive urban forests and green spaces – how to make urban forests and green spaces just, safe, and inviting for all societal groups (regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, etc.)
Role of urban forests and green spaces in human health
Role of urban forests and green spaces in nature education (teaching and learning in nature)
Role of urban forests and green spaces as tourist attractions and in city branding
Stakeholder engagement and communication – Participatory approaches, co-management, co-governance, urban forest and green space stewardship, citizen science, stakeholder communication
Theme 2: Urban Forests for a Sustainable Tomorrow
This Forum theme will explore how to achieve well-performing urban forests and urban green spaces. Abstracts to be submitted under this theme should focus on the assessment of environmental conditions of urban forests and urban green space to support their planning and managing, with long-term provision of benefits to ecosystems and society in mind.
How to plan urban forests and green spaces for sustainable cities (for instance, and not exclusively in the context of climate change and biosecurity)
How to govern urban forests and green spaces in the context of sustainable cities
How to manage and maintain urban forests and green spaces (urban forestry and arboricultural practices)
Assessment and valuation of urban forest and green space benefits and negativities (monetary and non-monetary approaches)
Role of urban forests and green spaces in circular urban bioeconomy (Biocities)
How to safeguard urban forests and green spaces in the context of urbanisation and competing land use, legal and policy aspects of urban forests
Theme 3: Urban Forests for All Living Beings
Contributions under this theme will explore urban forests and urban green spaces as habitats – for people and other beings. The abstract submitted under this theme should look into the assessment and evaluation of urban biodiversity and the planning and management practices that aim to preserve and enhance it.
Management and maintenance of urban forests and green spaces in the context of biodiversity
How do we attract and keep pollinators in urban areas?
Invasive alien species – friends or foes?
Management of birds and other animals in urban areas – coexistence with humans
Planting material of tomorrow in the context of climate change – what to plant and where?
Abstract Submission
Abstracts (maximum 2000 characters, spaces included) are only accepted in English. They must not include figures, tables or attachment.
Deadline for submission is 31st of January 2024, 23:59 CET (Brussels time). The programme committee will determine whether a work will be accepted for presentation, considering the significance and/or the innovative character of the contribution.
Authors will be informed on the acceptance of their contribution by the 23th of February 2024.
At least one of the authors should register for the conference, and should have their fee settled by 30 April 2024. If this is not the case, the organisers can withdraw selected contributions from the programme.
The language of the forum is English.
For any questions related to the abstract submission process, please contact rik . devreese @ efi . int.
“Urban forestry is not a one-size-fits-all solution; each city and region, with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, requires tailored strategies”
In its new publication that want to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of urban forestry worldwide, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasizes the natural variety found in environmental, cultural and socioeconomic contexts around urban forests. Specifically, it presents compelling reasons why various urban forestry methods may not universally apply due to the diverse range of pressures, environmental situations, cultural influences, and governance systems worldwide. Urban forests, trees and green spaces play an important role in enhancing the quality of urban life, but their benefits are still not equally accessible to all. Consequently, the report is segmented into region-specific viewpoints that discuss the circumstances in different continents. These distinct perspectives lead to unique approaches and tactics for urban forestry initiatives and nature-based solutions.
The report was launched at the 2nd World Forum on Urban Forests in Washington DC and it advises on the necessity for action to achieve global goals, especially due to the escalating challenges posed by climate change in urban areas.
European Urban Forests
The perspective from Europe was provided by Clive Davies, Rik De Vreese, Ian Whitehead and Mariateresa Montisci, from the Urban Forestry Team of the European Forestry Institute (EFI) located in Bonn. Over the last 40 years, Urban Forestry (UF) has significantly grown across Europe, tracing its roots back to centuries-old peri-urban forest management or in the creation of botanical gardens in the middle of the city.
Nowadays, even with some exceptions, municipalities evince an increasingly conspicuous dedication towards reconciling urban expansion with the imperative for high-quality green spaces. Achieving such harmonization necessitates the embrace of innovative methodologies and novel strategies for project implementation. EFUF serves as a prominent benchmark, accumulating extensive experience in organising the Forum that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise within the realm of urban forestry among different stakeholders such as managers, researchers, practitioners, consultants and representative from groups (e.g. lobbyists, envNGOs, volunteers groups, associations etc.)
The diverse geography and culture of Europe influence the various challenges and approaches embraced in urban forestry practices and governance. Therefore, it was deemed necessary to divide Europe into sub-regions, following the key themes:
Nordic/Scandinavia: Health equalities, integration, adaptive management.
Mediterranean:Urban heat island impacts, urban cooling, fire hazards.
Central Europe:Levels of participation, inadequate policy linkage, climate change/species adaptation.
Southeast Europe:Rural urban migration and lack of integrated policies.
Taking into consideration this vast geographical and thematic diversity, the incorporation of case studies from disparate regions shows how some cities and regions are investing in nature-based solutions to enhance the welfare of their communities. The journey is still long and uphill because urban forests are still seen as a lesser priority and their implementation still faces a lot of barriers but we need to be optimistic that things may unfold in the best possible manner!
Curious about the report? Download it now and delve into the insight shaping urban forests around the world!
Urban forests play a crucial role for the wellbeing of city dwellers, and their importance for people has been emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic. This exploratory study analyses the visit patterns and visitor attitudes and perceptions in a peri-urban forest nearby Bonn, Germany, as well as the impact of the lockdown. Methodically, we combined automated visitor counting with a total of 345 on-site interviews. Respondents were asked a variety of open-ended and closed questions on various aspects of forest management and recreation. The results show that shortly after the inception of the lockdown the number of forest visitors doubled and the visit pattern changed markedly. In contrast, people’s associations with the forest remained rather stable. The forest visitors interviewed primarily associated the forest with tranquility, recreation and fresh air, and they were generally positive about forest management. However, these expectations conflicted with the sense of crowdedness experienced during the lockdown, when novel forest uses and new motivations for visiting the forest arose, with an important focus on the forest as a place for social interaction. These were mainly a result of the lockdown restrictions, rather than COVID-19 itself, which left people with more time and flexibility, and less alternative activities. The results highlight the importance of forest management in catering to people’s expectations and ultimately for the role that forests play for people’s wellbeing. This was the case before the lockdown but arguably even more so during, in response to a variety of needs resulting from unprecedented circumstances.
A unique opportunity to make green care innovative ideas growing
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ of the European Union, Green4C is a Knowledge Alliance project promoting nature-based solutions for health, wellbeing, and social inclusion. Bringing together universities, businesses, and organisations, Green4C wants to provide interdisciplinary skills and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in Green Care.
The term Green Care refers to a “range of activities that promotes physical and mental health and well-being through contact with nature”. In the last few decades, a growing body of research is demonstrating the benefits of the contact with nature on health and wellbeing. Green Care can improve mental and physical health, representing an efficient tool for public health issues. In addition, activities such as social farming or community gardening can promote social inclusion and address other social issues.
Recognising the central role of nature for the development of a healthier and more sustainable future, Green4C seeks to foster Green Care as an efficient answer to environmental, health, and social concerns.
To stimulate the creation of innovative Green Care initiatives, the Green4C team has produced an interesting new opportunity, the Business Innovation Challenge (BIC). The BIC is a free competition for anyone with innovative ideas involving nature, health, and wellbeing. Participants will compete by presenting their business or projects ideas to promote the health and social benefits of nature. Ideas can involve one or more Green4C thematic sectors, i.e., Forest-based care, Urban green care, Social agriculture, and Green care tourism.
Winners of the BIC will gain access to the Green4C Summer School. The Summer School is a high specialisation course taking place in Italy (from the 20th of June to the 8th of July 2022), at the Agripolis campus of the University of Padova. Top European experts in Green Care will be sharing knowledge and best practices on entrepreneurship, forestry, nature-based solutions, health, and much more. The aim of this course is to give students all the necessary tools to realise innovative Green Care initiatives. Only 25 participants will be selected for the Summer School.
Thedeadline to participate in the BIC is the 3rd of April 2022, at 23.59 CEST. To apply, participants must fill out the application form, which includes the presentation of their business or project idea in Green Care. Learn all the details about the BIC on .
The harmful effects of urban life on physical and mental health have long been recognized, such as higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Depression is on the rise, particularly in urban areas, and is characterized by depressed mood and a feeling of helplessness. In this post, we will focus on a specific type of the urban forest: individual street trees, and on how they can strengthen mental health. Street trees are an important component of the urban forest because they provide various ecosystem services for human health and wellbeing, such as improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect. They are public amenities laced throughout the urban matrix and they can be retrofitted into urban areas. The potential impact of street trees on mental health was unknown and no previous study has investigated the relationship between ecological quality of street trees, the presence of street trees, and antidepressant prescriptions. An interdisciplinary research team from UFZ, iDiv and the University of Leipzig applied objective indicators (antidepressant medication and individual-level greenspace exposure, using NDVI) to analyse this relationship. To calculate the amount of contact that an individual has with urban greenspace, the researchers applied geographic metrics, using Euclidean buffers of 100, 300, 500 and 1000 m around the residences. The sampling involved 596 people who were prescribed antidepressants. All the participants were living in the city of Leipzig, and represented a representative sample. In the city of Leipzig, street trees are planted throughout the city, while concentrated more densely in some areas than in other, with a total of 66,179 street trees, comprised of 51 genera and 131 species (Figure 1). This figure shows the distributions of street trees and antidepressant prescriptions among the participants. The circles indicate the location of the participants within the city of Leipzig, Germany. The circles with a black outline represent individuals who have been prescribed antidepressants. The yellow-green colored circles reflect the density of street trees within 100m of the house. Tree density values are the number of trees per meter of road within a 100m buffer.
Figure 1. Distribution of street trees and antidepressant prescriptions amongst participants. The figure was created by D. Eichenberg, with ggplot2 available for R (Marselle et al., 2020)
Subsequently, Figure 2 shows that the people who have a higher risk of antidepressant prescriptions are women, overweight or obese, smoking, or have pessimistic thoughts; there is also a higher risk during winter and spring. By contrast, reduced risk of antidepressant prescriptions was associated with being young (18–39) or old (age 65 +), employed, and optimistic. People living in homes with greater density of street trees within 100 m were less likely to be prescribed antidepressants.
Figure 2. Effect size of covariates and street tree density and richness at 100 m around the home on antidepressant prescriptions (Marselle et al., 2020)
Species richness was not significantly associated with antidepressant prescriptions at any distance, this is well explained in the next figure. The results of Figure 3 show that the quantity of street trees around the home may be more important for preventing depression than the ecological quality of street trees. This is in line with previous studies. For example, a Chinese study (Elsadek, M., Liu, B., Lian, Z. & Xie, J. The influence of urban roadside trees and their physical environment on stress relief measures: A field experiment in Shanghai. Urban For. Urban Green. 42, 51–60, 2019) walks along roads, each with a different species of street tree, resulted in better mental health compared to walks in a road without street trees, suggesting the mere presence of trees on streets, but not their species affiliation, is important. Given that most people cannot identify different plant species in general, benefits of street trees may rather be provided through people experiencing tree abundance.
Figure 3. Effect size of street tree density and species richness at different spatial distances around the participants’ home on antidepressant prescriptions (Marselle et al., 2020)
The net result showing the graphs in Figure 4 is that under low street tree density, individuals with low SES tend to have higher probabilities of antidepressant prescriptions. For the medium and high SES groups, the effect of street tree density at 100 m from the home did not significantly change the probability of being prescribed antidepressants.
Figure 4. (a) Probability of antidepressant prescriptions as a function of street tree density 100 m around the home and individual socio-economic status (SES). The black line is the mean and the shaded area are the 95% confidence intervals. (Marselle et al., 2020) (b) Probability of antidepressant prescriptions as a function of low (0), medium (average) and high (max) street tree density 100 m around the home stratified by SES. The black dot is the mean and the black line is the 95% confidence interval. (Marselle et al., 2020)
Conclusion
The study shows that street trees, as an urban green space accessible to the public on a small scale, could contribute to an “equigenic environment”, as nature-based solutions that can help close the gap in health inequalities between individuals with low and high SES. During the COVID-19 pandemic, forests in cities, green spaces, tree-lined streets, but also having a small green space in front of the house, has acquired more importance in the eyes of many citizens. So, as this study suggests, ‘unintentional’ contact with nearby nature in daily life is important for mental health, but also reduces social inequalities and contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The study thus calls for a different urban green planning, no longer aimed at designing green spaces for intentional or targeted visits for recreation, but above all targeting green planning for daily contact with nature. Planting and maintaining street trees thereby provides a proactive public health measure that also meets conservation goals. Such information can inform health professionals, urban foresters, urban planners and urban planners about the necessary policy, planning and management decisions needed to ensure that urban forest has a positive impact on both public health and nature conservation.
Link to the article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-79924-5
