Petite forests, or small, dense clusters of native trees, are designed for compact urban spaces like streets, plazas, and schoolyards. These micro-forests offer significant benefits for enhancing biodiversity, combating climate change, and fostering community engagement.
The UN Petite Forest Network officially launched on 25 September 2024 at the Future Green Cities event, co-organized by UNECE and Earthwatch Europe. The event brought together city representatives and organizations such as International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), World Urban Parks (WUP) to share insights into urban greening. The cities of Utrecht and Liverpool shared first hand their experiences in their urban greening projects, offering valuable lessons on the opportunities and challenges associated with creating these miniature forests in urban settings.
At UNECE, a first milestone for the UN Petite Forest Network was the inauguration of the first Petite Forests in San Marino in 2022 and during Foresta 2023. San Marino’s Petite Forests stand demonstrate the power of collective action on climate change. It highlights how small actions in underutilized spaces can have a significant and lasting impact.
The launch of the UN Petite Forest Network marks the beginning of a global effort to green urban landscapes through the integration of petite forests. This initiative has the potential to transform urban spaces into greener, more resilient areas, while empowering local communities to act against climate change.
The inaugural UN Petite Forest Network and Earthwatch UK online event will take place on 28 November 2024. This event will bring together experts, city officials, international organizations, donors, and community members to discuss the benefits of petite forests and explore their effective implementation in urban environments.
The UN Petite Forest Network is a global initiative aimed at creating small urban forests that revitalize communities, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. By working with cities and organizations around the world, the Network promotes the establishment of petite forests as a vital part of sustainable urban development.
For more information or to participate, please visit The UN Petite Forest Network webpage or contact [email protected].