The entity stated that the event aims to publicize and highlight positive examples of planning, design and management approaches that have been carried out by cities in the region, with diverse cultures, forms, structures and histories to optimize the contribution from urban forests to sustainable development.

The forum, which will take place from September 18th to the 21st, is sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with CONAFOR and the support of several Mexican institutions related to the subject.

According to the FAO, it is expected that by 2050 some six billion people, or up to 70 percent of the world’s population, will live in suburban areas. Urban forests play a fundamental role for the population in creating healthy, livable and sustainable cities throughout the planet.

Simone Borelli, Urban Forestry Officer in the FAO Forestry Division, commented that trees are essential for keeping the world’s cities healthy. “It is very important that these are healthy, resilient and where everyone has access to green spaces.”

He considered that forests can lead the way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and other goals set at the global level by implementing urban and peri-urban forestry.

Baldemar Arteaga, Manager of Reforestation and Restoration of Hydrographic Basins of CONAFOR, highlighted that the organizations and institutions that will participate in this forum deal with the issue of urban forests from different perspectives.

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