Urban forests: A perspective from sub-Saharan Africa

In an increasingly urbanised world, the importance of urban and peri-urban forestry is gaining recognition in the context of global sustainability initiatives. The UN FAO held the first African Forum on Urban Forestry in July 2021, aiming to promote greener, healthier, and happier cities and towns in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This forum aligns with various international, regional, and national science-policy initiatives, such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the Great Green Wall, and the Tree Cities of the World program, which seek to scale up urban forestry and ensure its sustainable management (Berglihn & Gómez-Baggethun, 2021). Despite the increasing attention given to urban forestry in SSA, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on its state in the region. Therefore, in the run up to the Global Forum on Urban Forestry to be held in October 2023, this report seeks to appraise the extent and dynamics of urban forestry in SSA. It begins by providing an overview of the trends in the region, highlighting specific ecosystem services that are particularly significant, prominent, or distinct in SSA. The report then explores innovative practices in urban forestry within SSA. Finally, it discusses future opportunities for resourcing and research in the field.