Better forests, better cities

The report evaluated how forests both inside and outside city boundaries benefit cities and their residents, and what actions cities can take to conserve, restore and sustainably manage those forests. This report is the first of its kind comprehensive resource on the connection between cities and forests, synthesizing hundreds of research papers and reports to show how all forest types can deliver a diverse suite of benefits to cities. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that conserving, restoring, and sustainably managing forests can provide robust, low-cost infrastructure solutions to help cities meet the demands of growing urban populations. Many cities are already responding to this evidence to address the challenges they face. The report explores four particularly significant benefits that forests at all scales provide cities and their residents: improved human health and wellbeing, increased water security, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. This report is the only comprehensive resource available on the connection between cities and forests. It synthesizes hundreds of papers and reports to collectively show how different forest types at different levels can deliver a diverse suite of benefits to cities. In most instances, forests and nature-based solutions at all scales can provide benefits to cities and their residents, but only if they are contextually relevant, well-designed, and maintained.