Urban forests are vital to city life, offering more than aesthetic value—they improve community well-being, boost biodiversity, and enhance urban resilience to climate change. These green spaces help cities breathe, providing cleaner air, regulating temperatures, supporting mental health, and contributing to overall environmental quality.
To celebrate its eightieth anniversary, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributed to greening Budapest by planting 80 trees in the Merzse Nature Reserve. This initiative also marked the presence of FAO in the Hungarian capital since 1995. FAO staff participated in both planting and maintenance, including removing invasive species, demonstrating the organization’s long-term commitment to sustainable urban forestry.
The Merzse Nature Reserve, protected since 1977, is home to rare plants, diverse birdlife, and one of the most undisturbed wetlands in Budapest. FAO’s efforts in this area reflect its broader mission to integrate forests into urban planning, supporting climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems across Europe and Central Asia.
Globally, forests cover roughly one-third of the planet’s land area, with Europe accounting for about 25 percent of that total. In urban contexts, forests and trees improve air quality, create beneficial microclimates, regulate water, enhance soil fertility, and support physical and mental well-being. The increasing urban population has amplified the importance of urban forestry, which has grown significantly over the past 40 years in Europe and continues to play a crucial role in sustainable urban development.
FAO emphasizes that planting a tree is a long-term investment. By supporting urban forests like Merzse, the organization contributes to greener, healthier, and more resilient cities for generations to come.
