Forging Resilient, Healthy, and Equitable African Cities - 2nd Regional Urban Forestry Gathering Ahead

Urban forests play a crucial role in building resilient, healthy, and equitable cities globally, particularly in the face of Africa's pressing challenges such as climate change and economic disparities. The forthcoming 2nd Africa Forum on Urban Forestry (AFUF) scheduled for March 2025 in Johannesburg offers a significant opportunity to explore the transformative potential of urban forests across the continent. This summary outlines a preparatory session aimed at laying the groundwork for the 2nd AFUF, with a focus on integrating urban forestry into urban planning and development strategies. The session aims to underscore the indispensable role of urban forests in achieving the goal of building resilient, healthy, and equitable cities across Africa. Through the presentation of successful case studies, fostering partnerships, and outlining a roadmap for action, participants will gain invaluable insights into leveraging urban forests for this purpose. The session kicks off with a keynote address by distinguished speakers, enriching discussions on how urban forests can mitigate environmental, social, and economic challenges. Subsequent segments feature case studies highlighting innovative approaches to urban forestry, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among participants. The collaborative development of a roadmap for the 2nd AFUF ensures stakeholder engagement and ownership, facilitating post-event actions and ongoing engagement with regional and global urban forestry networks. Ultimately, this preparatory session serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, ensuring a smooth transition towards building resilient, healthy, and equitable cities across Africa.