Life on Land
Executive summary
As urban populations grow and natural buffers shrink, cities face mounting challenges—from water scarcity and heat stress to biodiversity loss and declining air quality.
The way forward
Sustainable urban and peri-urban forestry is a national imperative with local impact and global resonance.
Scaling Urban Forestry With National Policy Using Urban Forestry as a Delivery Mechanism for the Rio Conventions
This publication offers a strategic guide for integrating sustainable urban and peri-urban forestry into national policies and international environmental frameworks. It provides actionable recommendations, guidance, and tools to help governments mainstream urban forestry across sectors and levels of government. Drawing on global case studies and the San Marino Regional Urban Forestry Action Plan, it highlights how urban forestry contributes to climate resilience, biodiversity, land restoration and the SDGs. The publication also outlines practical mechanisms for embedding urban forestry into national plans and reports under the Rio Conventions, enhancing coherence, visibility, and access to finance. By aligning urban forestry with global goals, it supports greener, healthier, and more resilient cities while advancing national and international commitments.
Abstract
Drawing on insights from over 600 national plans and reports and shaped by extensive stakeholder interviews and real-world case studies, this quick guide series provides governments, planning authorities, and development partners with practical strategies to scale sustainable urban and peri-urban forestry through national policies and global agreements.
Introduction to sustainable urban and peri-urban forestry
Sustainable urban and peri-urban forestry (sustainable urban and peri-urban forestry) is a highly effective, nature-based solution (NbS) that supports a wide range of public policy goals and objectives of the Rio Conventions.
Acknowledgements
This publication was jointly drafted by the author and the UNECE Forest and Bioeconomy Section, drawing on information from stakeholder interviews, as well as available literature and data.
Forests and wood – the great green engine
In early human history, wood harvested from forests was a vital source of energy, tools, utensils, furniture, shelter and construction materials.
How natural are the UNECE forests?
Depending on its origin and development, FAO distinguishes two main types of forest: naturally regenerating forests, including primary forests, and planted forests, including plantations.
How much of the world is forested?
Forests are dynamic ecosystems, shaped by natural and human influences which constantly change.
Forests - social and economic benefits
Forests are more than the sum of their wood, non-wood products and environmental services.
Abstract
This publication provides an overview of the state of forests in Europe, North America, Caucasus and Central Asia, showing their importance for sustainable global development.
Introduction
Despite their continuing reduction worldwide, forests are still one of the most common types of land cover, covering around a third of the Earth’s land surface.