A high-level event at UNCCD COP-16 on Dry Lands, Green Cities: United for Urban Land Restoration brought together experts from around the world to explore innovative solutions for urban trees and forest in arid regions. Organized by UNECE and the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition, the event highlighted the potential of urban trees to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. Key Takeaways include:
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Scaling up urban forestry: discussions highlighted the need to scale up urban forestry initiatives, as exemplified by Saudi Arabia's ambitious National Greening Programme.
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The power of local action: real-world examples, such as the Generation Restoration initiative in Dakar, showcased the impact of participatory efforts with the community.
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International Collaboration: UNECE's Trees in Dry Cities Coalition was recognized as a vital platform for fostering international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
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Policy integration: panel discussions delved into a range of topics, including water restoration, policy targets, and the role of local governments in implementing urban forestry initiatives. Experts from Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, ESCWA, and UCLG shared insights and best practices emphasizing the importance of integrating urban forestry into national and local policies and securing sustainable financing.
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Financing the future of urban forests: participants emphasized the need to quantify the economic and environmental benefits of trees to attract investment. Multilateral collaboration among financial institutions, governments, and the private sector was identified as crucial for innovative financing mechanisms and long-term funding.
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The need for a multi-stakeholder approach: collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector is essential to achieving sustainable urban development.
Following the event, the UNECE Trees in Dry Cities Coalition will develop guidance on integrating urban and peri-urban trees and forests into national policies and plan under international conventions (UN Convention to Combat Desertification, UNCCD; UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC; and UN Convention on Biological Diversity, CBD). The Coalition will also identify potential funding concepts in 2025.
A second expert-level event co-hosted by UNEP and UNECE on Rethinking Urban Landscapes: Equity, Restoration, and Resilience in Arid Regions discussed the critical role of nature-based solutions in restoring arid urban landscapes and highlighted the importance of urban forestry and green infrastructure.
Both stressed that by prioritizing nature-based solutions and investing in urban green spaces, we can create more resilient and sustainable cities for the future. They further highlighted the power of local action and the critical role of local governments in implementing urban tree projects and engaging with communities. Aligning policy and finance, it was highlighted, can accelerate the implementation of urban forestry solutions. By uniting efforts and sharing knowledge, we can harness the power of urban forestry to build resilient and sustainable cities.
Join the Coalition: https://forms.office.com/e/VMzH7UCQ9u
For more information: https://unece.org/forests/trees-dry-cities-coalition