Celebrating the International Day of Forests: Tropical forests and sustainable cities

Forests provide immense benefits to cities—but are often taken for granted. Forests in and near urban areas cool the air through shading and evapotranspiration; store carbon; remove air pollutants; reduce flooding; assist in food, energy and water security; provide timber for construction and household items; wood for cooking and heating; conserve biodiversity; and improve the physical and mental health of citizens. If you live in a city, take a close look at the trees around you to discover the many services and products they provide.

Every year on 21 March the world celebrates the International Day of Forests, and this year’s theme is “forests and sustainable cities”. There is abundant evidence that sustainably managed urban and peri-urban trees and forests greatly improve quality of life in cities. More than half the world’s population lives in cities today, and this proportion is set to grow in coming years, including in the tropics. Urban and peri-urban forestry, therefore, is crucial for our wellbeing.

ITTO is marking the International Day of Forests with a new infographic illustrating the benefits that tropical forests provide cities. We invite you to share this infographic to raise awareness of the importance of sustainably managing forests in our cities—in the tropics and elsewhere.