Urban trees and forests are a proven, cost-effective solution to develop healthier, safer and more resilient urban spaces. Doing so requires action at the local level to develop and implement a plan to maximize the benefits of urban trees and forests while ensuring the right trees are in the right place, for the right reason.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), through its Informal Expert Network on Urban Nature, and the International Forestry Students Association (IFSA) are collaborating to engage cities and towns to assess how they can plan and enhance their urban tree and forest cover.

As part of this collaboration, IFSA members are invited to work with cities and municipalities to strengthen the sustainable management of urban trees and forests as a solution for sustainable development, climate action, and many other local and global challenges. Specifically, IFSA members are invited to work with cities to implement the UNECE Trees for Resilient Green Cities: Strategic Screening and Action Toolkit.

The toolkit provides specific tools (i.e. a scorecard, a template implementation scheme and resources) that enable cities to review policies, strategies, and plans that impact the management of trees and forests, identifying opportunities for enhancement. UNECE will also organize outreach, capacity building and peer exchange events for IFSA members and city representatives.