Guidelines for policy-makers

CLEARING HOUSE GUIDELINES FOR URBAN FORESTS AS A NATURE BASED SOLUTION (UF-NBS)

How we manage trees and woodlands in urban areas can make a significant difference to their ability to deliver urban ecosystem services.  Indeed, considering the ‘urban forest’ as a nature-based solution can help us see trees and associated habitats in a new light, not simply as pleasing aesthetic objects but as living organisms constantly delivering multiple benefits.  To help policy makers, senior green space managers and all hues of urban professionals to realise these nature-based benefits, CLEARING HOUSE project partners are preparing guidelines to aid the transition in urban forest management towards a multifunctional ecosystem led approach.

The guidelines include:

• Effective urban forest ecosystem restoration, ecological rehabilitation, new approaches and methods.

• Management guidelines for urban forests that cover key aspects of planning, policy and delivery for their role as a nature-based solution.

• Mechanisms for public and stakeholder engagement in planning and managing UF-NBS, with specific attention towards less-privileged groups.

• Change management and institutional reform for the better management of UF-NBS