Arbor Day Foundation, Food and Agriculture Organization Name Record-Breaking 210 Tree Cities of the World

LINCOLN, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have recognized 210 communities as 2024 Tree Cities of the World. It is the most cities ever honored since the program began in 2018.

“Tree Cities of the World is more than a recognition programme. It’s a rapidly growing global movement, transforming how communities view and value their urban forest. It goes beyond borders, connecting passionate organizers and tireless tree planters, and uniting them under the shared mission of making our world’s communities healthier places to live,” said Sophie Plitt, program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation. “This record-breaking 2024 class is a testament to the power of trees in every corner of the world and we’re excited to honor these cities and their important work.”

The international Tree Cities of the World programme recognizes cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area. The program is jointly operated by FAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, and the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Cities of the World is in alignment with FAO’s Green Cities initiative which is designed to strengthen green infrastructure in both urban and rural communities.

This year’s 210 Tree Cities of the World represent 24 countries and 6 continents. The Tree Cities of the World programme includes communities ranging in population size from 1,500 to 12 million people, with 37 major languages spoken across the entire cohort. By gaining recognition through the programme, many municipalities have garnered increased funding for community forest management, access to a unique global network of urban forestry professionals, and greater local support for canopy growth.

“In 2024, the City of Toronto planted over 130,000 trees, managed over 1,000 hectares of natural area parkland, and made significant strides to achieve equitable distribution of the urban forest across our diverse city,” said Teresa Bosco, Manager of Forest Policy and Planning for Toronto, Canada. “We are thrilled to be part of a growing global network of cities recognized for their dedication to building strong and resilient urban forests and being leaders in stewardship, resource allocation, and innovation.”

“Through the program, we found an opportunity to unify diverse collectives—those promoting heritage trees, native plant palettes, and urban reforestation—to work together with the government,” said Emmanuel Bolaños Bautista, Deputy Director of the Department of Protected Areas and Environmental Value for Puebla, Mexico.

“The learning and exchange of experiences allow us to learn from the big players as well,” said Juan Pablo Diaz Laska, Secretary of Environment for Tocancipá, Colombia. “We are a small place, but we strive to create green spaces and replicate successful projects.”

Globally, more than 134 million people live in Tree Cities of the World.

To earn Tree Cities of the World recognition, a city must uphold five core standards: establish responsibility for the care of trees; enact a law or policy that governs the management of trees and forests; maintain an updated assessment of local tree resources; allocate resources for a tree management plan; and hold an annual celebration of trees to educate local residents.

Click here to see a full list of the recognized 2024 Tree Cities of the World.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

Through its Forestry Programme, FAO seeks to restore forests, improve the lives of forest-dependent people, and support countries to manage their forests in a sustainable way. FAO’s work is fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, creating more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.