Urban Forestry Overview and Analysis of European Forest Policies. Part 1: Conceptional Framework and EUropean Urban Forestry History

Joensuu

1997

130 S.

Bandaufführung

14099

72800

This paper is the result of the first part of a study aimed at providing a tentative overview and analysis of urban forestry in Europe. Urban forestry in Europe is believed to have its own identity, as focus seems to have been on forest ecosystems rather than on urban greenspace in general. This study looks at local urban forest policy-making processes in terms of the structure of the process, the actors involved, social conflicts, urban forest policies, and how these translate into management. During the first stage of the project, a conceptual framework for the research as a whole has been developed. This framework starts from the hypothesis that urban forestry is structurally different from forestry at large. Urban forests are defined as forests in and nearby urban areas. The decision-making processes on which functions they should fulfil are therefore dominated by local actors and their objectives resulting from their perceptions, norms and values. Furthermore, it is believed that the improtance of urban forests and forestry has increased over the years, and that urban forestry has played a leading role in the development of forestry practices and theory in general. Given the growing importance of the topic and the limited availability of comparative studies, this study aims at providing the first comparative overview and analysis on urban forestry in Europe. For this purpose, 30 larger case-study cities in 16 countries and 4 European regions have been selected. From the tentative historical overview, which constitutes the second element of the first research stage, the first indications of urban forestry as essentially different from forestry at large can be derived. The concept of urban forestry as introduced in the first stage seems relevant and applicable, though it may be subject to adaptations during the proceeding of the study. In spite of relevant differences between European regions, countries and cities, caused by diversity of biophysical, socio-economic, political and cultural aspects, relevant similarities and general developments have been found. It is believed that historical study - in combination with a theoretical framework - has provided a useful background for the analysis of contemproary urban forest policy-making in Europe, as well as a context for anticipating future developments.