80 trees for 80 years – Urban forest gets support from FAO

Between concrete and traffic, urban forests breathe life into our cities. They are more than just trees; they’re the foundation for greener, healthier and more vibrant cities. They offer an inclusive, accessible and highly impactful way to enhance community well-being, boost biodiversity and make our urban spaces more resilient to climate change.

To mark the eightieth anniversary of its establishment, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has helped Budapest become a greener and healthier city by planting 80 trees in a protected urban forest area.

Founded in 1945, FAO has been present in the Hungarian capital since 1995. To reflect this double anniversary, employees of the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and FAO's Shared Services Centre not only contributed to the afforestation of the Merzse Nature Reserve by each planting 80 trees, but also to its maintenance by manually cleaning the area from invasive species.

“Today, we showed that FAO is a true ally of forests – independent from where they are located,” said Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative. “In urban areas, trees play a number of important roles, yet they are exposed to natural and artificial pressures. With this in mind, we are supporting forests and forest areas all across Europe and Central Asia for future generations. Planting a tree is a noble mission, an investment worth making.”

The Merzse Nature Reserve is an area full of rare plants, rich bird life and one of the most undisturbed wetlands in Budapest. It has been under protection since 1977.

This local action also reflects a broader global commitment to safeguarding forests. FAO supports countries and cities in integrating forests into urban planning as part of its work on forestry, climate resilience, biodiversity and sustainable food systems.

The green lungs of the planet

FAO’s latest data shows that forests cover about one-third of the planet’s land area. Europe is home to about 1 billion ha of forest, a full 25 percent of the global forest area.

Forest areas and trees have a special role in urban settings, as they improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Trees are also vital in creating microclimates by mitigating high temperatures and increasing humidity. Urban greenings also have a positive effect on mental health, thus overall improving quality of life. Forests also contribute to better water regulation and soil fertility while supporting the overall physical and mental well-being of the people who visit them.

Considering their essential benefits – and the constant increase of urban populations – urban forestry has grown significantly over the past 40 years in Europe, and its importance in urban planning is growing, too.

© FAO/Mátyás Temesfői