Urban forests: What are they, what are the use and importance

Urban forests, also known as urban green areas or forest urban parks, are natural spaces within urban environments Designed to preserve, improve and encourage interaction between nature and the community. These spaces can vary in size, from small parks in neighborhoods to large areas of vegetation within a city. Its main purpose is to provide a series of benefits for both the environment and for the inhabitants of the cities.

In simple terms, urban forests are like green oasis in the middle of the built environment of a city. They are composed of trees, shrubs, plants and, in some cases, bodies of water, which contribute to the improvement of air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. In addition, they act as a refuge for local fauna, creating a Balance in the urban ecosystem.

These spaces not only offer a pleasant environment for the recreation, exercise and recreation of citizens, but also help reduce temperature in citiescreating a cooling effect and fighting the phenomenon known as “Urban Heat Island.” This is particularly important in warm climates, where the vegetation provides shadow and reduces the sensation of heat.

In addition, urban forests are essential for the conservation of biodiversity by housing a Variety of Flora and Fauna species. They also play a crucial role in water management by absorbing and filtering rainwater, thus reducing the risk of floods.

Urban forests serve for a wide variety of purposes and play a fundamental role in the Improvement of the quality of life in urban environments. They offer a quiet and attractive environment for people to enjoy outdoor activities, such as walking, exercising, picnics and relaxing. These spaces provide stress relief and contribute to the physical and mental health of the inhabitants of the city.

Trees and vegetation of urban forests act as Natural filters by absorbing air pollutants and releasing oxygen. This contributes to the reduction of air pollution and, in turn, to the improvement of people’s respiratory health. They also play an important role in the absorption of carbon dioxide, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. They also help regulate the temperature of cities when providing shadow and reduce the demand for air conditioning in summer.

Urban forests house a variety of species of plants, animals and insects, contributing to the Biodiversity conservation In urban environments. These spaces can serve as ecological corridors that allow species to move and maintain healthy populations. Vegetation acts as a natural sponge, absorbing rainwater and reducing runoff. This helps Prevent floods and improves water quality by filtering pollutants before they reach the bodies of water.

Urban forests are ideal places for environmental education and connection of people with nature. Environmental education programs and outdoor activities in these spaces encourage environmental awareness and appreciation for nature. In addition, these spaces provide the opportunity, people can socialize, participate in community events and strengthen social ties. They contribute to cohesion and the sense of community in urban areas.

The importance of urban forests lies in a series of key factors that positively influence the quality of life of people and the sustainability of cities:

• Improvement of the quality of life: Urban forests provide residents with a natural and pleasant environment for recreation and recreation. These spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities, which contributes to people’s physical and mental health and reduces stress associated with agitated urban life.
• Public health: Urban forests help improve public health by reducing air pollution and providing places for exercise and relaxation. You may be interested in this article on air pollution solutions.
• Climate change mitigation: The capacity of urban forests to absorb carbon dioxide and reduce the temperature of cities contributes to the fight against climate change.
• Biodiversity conservation: Urban forests can act as shelters for various species of plants, animals and insects in urban environments, which contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of local ecosystems.
• Water management: Urban forests vegetation helps regulate the water cycle by absorbing and filtering rainwater.
• Social cohesion: Urban forests encourage community cohesion by providing spaces for events and outdoor activities that gather people.
• Environmental Education: Urban forests are ideal environments for environmental education. The educational programs and the interpretation of nature in these spaces help to raise awareness among the importance of conservation and respect for the environment.
• Economic value and beautification: The presence of urban forests can increase the value of the surrounding properties, which in turn benefits the owners and the community in general.

There are impressive urban forests worldwide. These are some of the greatest:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Although it is not in the heart of a city, the Rocky Mountains National Park in Colorado covers a vast area within the Denver Metropolitan Area.
• Epping forest: Epping Forest is an ancient real forest that extends through the northeast of London and southwest Essex.
• Chapultepec forest: The Chapultepec forest is one of the world’s largest urban forests and an important symbol of Mexico City.
• Monte Royal Park: The Parc du Mont-Royal, located in the heart of Montreal, is a large green space that offers panoramic views of the city.
• Forest Park: Forest Park in Portland, Oregon, is one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
• Boulogne Bois Forest: The Boulogne Bois is a large urban park located in western Paris.
• Bukhansan National Park: Although it is not in the center of Seoul, the Bukhansan National Park is an impressive natural space that surrounds the city and offers opportunities to practice hiking and enjoy nature a short distance from the urban center.

Now that you know what urban forests are, you may also be interested in this article about what smart cities are.

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