MEVE 016: Unit 05 – Urban Forestry
5.0
Introduction
Urban
forestry refers to the care and management of tree populations in urban
settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment. As cities grow,
the importance of green spaces becomes increasingly apparent. Urban forests
play a vital role in mitigating the effects of urbanization, such as air
pollution, heat islands, noise, and loss of biodiversity. They also enhance the
aesthetic appeal of cities, support ecological balance, and improve the physical
and mental well-being of urban dwellers.
In India, the
rapid pace of urban expansion has resulted in the reduction of green cover in
many cities. Concrete development has overtaken natural landscapes, disrupting
ecosystems and reducing access to green spaces for city residents. Against this
backdrop, urban forestry emerges as a critical strategy for making cities more
livable, sustainable, and resilient to climate change and natural disasters.
This unit explores the concept, types, significance, challenges, and protection
measures related to urban forestry.
5.1
Objectives
After going
through this unit, you will be able to:
·
Define and explain the concept of urban forestry.
·
Identify various types of urban forests and their ecological and
social importance.
·
Analyze the threats facing urban forests and green spaces.
·
Discuss the conservation and protection strategies for urban
forestry.
·
Understand the role of urban forests in disaster resilience and
livelihoods.
5.2
Concept and Definition
Urban
forestry is the practice of planning, planting, protecting, managing, and
maintaining trees and forested areas in urban and peri-urban environments. It
encompasses trees on streets, in parks, gardens, institutional campuses, green
belts, and degraded lands within cities.
Definition:
The Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines urban forestry as “the art, science, and
technology of managing trees and forest resources in and around urban community
ecosystems for the physiological, sociological, economic, and aesthetic
benefits trees provide society.”
Key
Components:
·
Street trees and avenue plantations
·
Community parks and botanical gardens
·
Institutional green campuses (schools, hospitals, etc.)
·
Urban wetlands and forest fragments
·
Green roofs and vertical gardens
·
Agroforestry in peri-urban zones
Urban
forestry integrates environmental, economic, and social dimensions to improve
the quality of urban life.
5.3
Types and Significance
Types
of Urban Forests
1. Street and
Avenue Trees:
Trees planted along roads, highways, and streets to provide shade, reduce
pollution, and enhance aesthetics.
2. Urban Parks
and Recreational Forests:
Designated green zones within cities used for recreation and public gatherings.
3. Institutional
Forests:
Green areas maintained within the premises of schools, colleges, universities,
hospitals, and government buildings.
4. Peri-urban
Forests and Agroforests:
Green belts and agroforestry initiatives located on the outskirts of cities to
act as ecological buffers.
5. Riparian
Forests:
Vegetation along rivers, lakes, and wetlands that plays a role in water
filtration, flood control, and biodiversity support.
6. Vertical and
Rooftop Gardens (New-age urban forestry):
Emerging practices for greening urban structures in space-constrained cities.
Significance
of Urban Forestry
·
Environmental Benefits:
o Improves air
quality by absorbing pollutants and particulate matter.
o Reduces the
urban heat island effect and regulates microclimates.
o Aids in
rainwater infiltration and reduces urban flooding.
o Supports
biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals.
·
Social and Health Benefits:
o Promotes
mental well-being and reduces stress.
o Encourages
outdoor activities and community interactions.
o Reduces noise
pollution and enhances aesthetic values of urban areas.
·
Economic Benefits:
o Increases
property values in green neighborhoods.
o Reduces
healthcare costs through improved environmental health.
o Creates
employment in tree maintenance, landscaping, and nursery management.
5.4
Threats, Conservation Issues and Protection Measures
Threats
to Urban Forestry
1. Rapid
Urbanization and Land Use Change:
o Conversion of
green spaces into residential and commercial areas.
2. Pollution and
Soil Degradation:
o Vehicular and
industrial emissions damage tree health.
o Soil
compaction and contamination hinder root growth.
3. Invasive
Species and Diseases:
o Introduction
of non-native species disrupts native ecosystems.
4. Lack of
Public Awareness and Participation:
o Negligence in
tree care, illegal encroachments, and low community involvement.
5. Policy and
Planning Gaps:
o Absence of
integrated urban forestry plans and weak enforcement mechanisms.
Conservation
and Protection Measures
·
Green Urban Planning:
o Mandating
minimum green cover in city development plans and housing projects.
·
Tree Protection Laws:
o Implementation
of bylaws requiring permission for tree cutting and transplantation.
·
Urban Tree Inventories and GIS Mapping:
o Mapping of
urban tree cover for better monitoring and management.
·
Public Participation and Education:
o Encouraging community-led
plantation drives and green stewardship programs.
·
Incentives and PPP Models:
o Providing tax
rebates for green buildings and involving private sector in urban forestry
projects.
5.5
Security against Catastrophe and Livelihood
Urban
Forests and Disaster Resilience
Urban forests
offer critical ecosystem services that help cities prepare for and recover from
disasters:
·
Flood Mitigation:
Trees and vegetation slow down runoff and enhance groundwater recharge.
·
Air Purification During Industrial Hazards:
Trees can act as bio-filters during chemical spills or industrial accidents.
·
Climate Adaptation:
Trees regulate temperature and reduce vulnerability to heatwaves.
·
Erosion Control:
Tree roots bind soil and prevent landslides in hilly urban zones.
Livelihood
Opportunities in Urban Forestry
Urban
forestry creates direct and indirect employment opportunities:
·
Nursery Development and Maintenance
·
Urban Greening and Landscaping Services
·
Environmental Education and Eco-tourism
·
Waste Management and Composting in Parks
·
Handicrafts and Forest Produce from Peri-urban Areas
Urban
forestry not only improves environmental quality but also supports inclusive
development by integrating green jobs into the urban economy.
5.6
Let Us Sum Up
Urban
forestry is an essential component of sustainable urban development. It
enhances ecological integrity, supports human well-being, and contributes to
economic growth through green jobs. Despite facing numerous challenges such as
pollution, land conversion, and policy gaps, urban forestry holds immense
potential for making cities resilient, livable, and inclusive. Effective
conservation, policy reform, community participation, and integration into
urban planning are necessary for the success of urban forestry initiatives. As
urban populations continue to rise, the preservation and expansion of green
spaces must be prioritized for long-term environmental and societal benefits.
5.7
Key Words
·
Urban Forestry: The management and conservation of trees in urban areas.
·
Green Belt: A buffer zone of vegetation around urban zones to restrict sprawl
and provide ecological services.
·
Urban Heat Island Effect: The increase in temperature in
urban areas due to concrete and asphalt surfaces absorbing heat.
·
Riparian Vegetation: Plant life growing along water bodies, critical for ecological
balance.
·
Peri-urban Areas: Transitional zones between rural and urban areas, often used for
agriculture or green buffers.
·
Agroforestry: A land use system combining agriculture and tree cultivation.
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