Abstract and poster submission

Governance
Processes, interactions, organisations, and decisions leading to the establishment and maintenance of urban forests, and increasing their benefits.

Environmental  perspective
Urban forests and trees contribute to a better quality of living environment in cities. The leaves of trees can take up several air pollutants, e.g. ozone, nitric acid vapor, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and particles but also soil pollutants. On the other hand release of pollen and emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) can alter the composition of the air, thus suggesting an accurate selection of the tree species is needed. Urban forests have a crucial role in the carbon saving both directly through CO2 sequestration and indirectly reducing temperature extremes and consequently CO2 emissions for air conditioning. Urban forests  have  also positive  climatic impact; their role in  improving  climatic conditions in cities and towns differs across latitude, reducing the urban heat island.  On the other end, climatic changes, often exacerbated in urban environments, will need a rethinking in the species and varieties selection in the urban tree populations . Trees and green spaces can reduce surface runoff and can contribute in  alleviating  the peak flows in the urban drainage system.   Urban forests have a crucial role in increasing and maintaining biodiversity, providing habitats and becoming parts of ecological corridors and networks.

Social perspective
Urban forests provide aesthetic enjoyment and create a pleasant environment for different outdoor activities by offering an attractive environment for recreational and social activities. Trees  and green spaces  attract people and may drive them  towards a more active style of life during their leisure time. Activities such as walking, jogging, walking dogs  and cycling have a positive effect on  human  health.  Urban Forests and Trees can provide also other economic benefits, increasing property values, and making commercial areas more attractive.

Urban arboriculture
Management of trees in urban parks and gardens, streets and squares plantations, botanical and historical  gardens and cemeteries. The topic includes plants grow and response to cultural practices and to environmental factors, selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, risk management and removal.