Floyd Brink
Moderator
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.
> Highlighting the multifaceted benefits of urban forests in promoting resilience, health, and equity in African cities, while showcasing successful case studies and innovative practices across Africa.
> Engaging participants in collaborative discussions to identify key priorities and challenges related to urban forestry in African cities.
> Developing a roadmap for integrating urban forestry into urban planning and development strategies across Africa, with a focus on preparing for the upcoming 2nd Regional Urban Forestry Gathering (AFUF).
> Fostering the creation of a community of practice focused on urban forestry in Africa, aimed at promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and ongoing engagement beyond AFUF.
> Facilitating networking and partnership building among international and regional urban forestry networks interested in participating in the upcoming AFUF and beyond.