Urban forests are becoming increasingly important for climate adaptation in cities
How should Europe’s cities plan and manage their forests in a time of climate change and growing demands for resilient urban environments? This question is at the center as SLU researcher Thomas Randrup speaks at a European conference in Antalya.
Pressure on urban green spaces is increasing – both from climate change and from people’s need for health and recreation. In Antalya, researchers, municipal representatives, and other stakeholders are therefore gathering to develop knowledge and tools for how urban forests can be planned and managed.
“Research on urban forests has changed over the past 25 years. What was once mainly about trees and green structures now also includes issues of governance, equity, and data-driven approaches,” says Thomas Randrup, Professor in Urban Open Space Management at SLU.
Urban forests play a central role in cities’ sustainability efforts. Research shows that they help mitigate urban heat islands and manage large volumes of stormwater during heavy rainfall. At the same time, they are important for human health and well-being and provide habitats for rich biodiversity.
Thomas Randrup highlights Sweden’s unique position in this field. With a strong forestry tradition and many municipalities owning their own forests, there are good conditions for developing new ways of managing forests near urban areas.
“In Sweden, the focus has long been on timber production, but urban forests require a broader perspective where recreation, biodiversity, and social values are also taken into account,” he says.
A European network
Together with SLU colleague Dimitris Athanassiadis, Thomas Randrup is the national coordinator for the Urban Forestry Network, an EU-funded network that brings together stakeholders from across Europe. The network works to strengthen knowledge exchange and develop joint strategies for urban forest management.
Through the network, Swedish researchers participate in a broad European collaboration on urban forest management, where new methods and knowledge are developed together.
Interested in joining the Urban Forestry Network?
Urban Forestry Network is part of European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST).
Do you work with or research urban forests?
Read more and become part of the network
Contact
Thomas Randrup
thomas.randrup@slu.se
Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management
Dimitris Athanassiadis
dimitris.athanassiadis@slu.se
Associate Professor, Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology
About the conference
Building Capacity for Urban Forest Management across Europe: Indicators, Knowledge, and Participation
27–30 April, Antalya. SLU Professor Thomas Randrup is one of the keynote speakers.
The aim of the conference is to strengthen knowledge and develop practical tools for planning and managing urban forests.
Contact
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SLU Urban Futures