The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) along with the Arbor Day Foundation has named Birmingham as a Tree City of the World for the second year running.
This international programme celebrates cities across all continents that are committed to growing and maintaining their urban trees and forests and recognise the importance of trees in building healthy, resilient and happy cities.
To achieve recognition, Birmingham met the five programme standards – establish responsibility, set the rules, know what you have, allocate the resources and celebrate achievements – to show its dedication towards planting and conserving trees.
Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “The role that trees play in mitigating for and adapting to the effects of climate change is well known; because of this, trees are a priority in our Route to Zero Plan and emerging planning documents.
“Being recognised as a Tree City of the World for a second year in a row is a great achievement and shows that Birmingham is dedicated to the sustainable management of its Urban Forest for the benefit of its citizens and the environment”.
Councillor John O’Shea, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Parks, added: “We know our parks and open spaces are some of Birmingham’s greatest assets, but this award also recognises the important work done by volunteers.
“Birmingham Tree People, our tree warden group, act as champions for trees, working with local communities and council officers to monitor, manage and raise awareness of the importance of trees in the landscape.
“Likewise Birmingham Trees for Life engage with local groups and schools to plant trees in the city and since 2006 have planted over 90,000, and a network of friends groups across the city support this work by helping look after our parks”.
Tree Cities of the World aims to create more green spaces in urban areas by recognising the cities that do it well. Planting more trees is the quickest and easiest way to improve a city's tree canopy and invest in a brighter future.
Details of the UK towns and cities with the status can be seen here.
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