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UN and NGO Arbor Day recognize Rio as a tree-friendly city
Published on 12/04/2022 - 21:46 | Updated
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN) and the Arbor Day Foundation (USA) have recognized Rio as a Tree Cities of the World. The initiative recognizes cities worldwide that are committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained and managed in a sustainable manner. In addition to Rio, 137 other cities in 21 countries have already been recognized. With this title, the capital of Rio de Janeiro will have access to support from sustainable urban forestry programs.
– This international award recognizes Rio’s commitment to developing its urban forests with a view to restoring the Atlantic Forest biome. On the streets, the integrated work between the Environment and the Parks and Gardens Foundation is focused and progresses month by month. In the North and West Zones, we have expanded local seedling production: greater logistical efficiency to accelerate large-scale planting – highlights the municipal secretary of the Environment, Lucas Padilha.
In February 2021, the Parks and Gardens Foundation, linked to the Environment Secretariat, announced the implementation of the Urban Arborization Master Plan (PDAU Rio), prepared by a multidisciplinary team and with the participation of citizens through workshops and public consultation.
– PDAU makes us think and plan the city based on inequality in access to natural resources. The poorer a location, the less green it is and the more vulnerable it is to extreme events caused by the climate crisis. That is why we are working to democratize access to ecological resources. We also see the role of urban afforestation as an element that reduces social inequalities – adds the president of the Parks and Gardens Foundation, Fabiano Carnevale.
To earn the “Tree Cities” seal, cities must register and meet certain criteria that focus on urban tree management, stating whether they have legal instruments, plans and guidelines for the protection and management of trees, the park system and green areas, remaining native vegetation and preservation areas.
