An Introduction to Urban and Peri-urban Forestry

As cities rapidly expand, green spaces are no longer just an aesthetic luxury—they are a critical survival tool. Developed by the FAO elearning Academy, this concise self-paced course provides a comprehensive introduction to the planning, design, and management of Urban and Peri-urban Forestry (UPF).

This course explores how systematically planting and managing trees in and around cities can mitigate the "urban heat island" effect, improve air quality, manage stormwater, and create healthier living spaces. It also highlights how urban forests help countries meet their Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets.

What You Will Learn (Course Topics)

• Foundations of UPF: Learn the core definitions and concepts that distinguish urban and peri-urban forests from traditional forestry.
• Urban Ecosystem Services: Discover the environmental, economic, and social benefits that green infrastructure brings to highly populated urban areas.
• Strategic Planning & Design: Key steps for selecting the right species, designing resilient green networks, and integrating forests into city infrastructure.
• Management & Challenges: Learn how to navigate common urban challenges, including limited space, soil compaction, water scarcity, and conflicting land-use demands.
• SDG Alignment: Understand how proper forest management directly contributes to making cities inclusive, safe, and sustainable.

Why Enroll in This Course?

• 100% Free & Flexible: Learn the fundamentals of modern urban greening in just 2.5 hours of self-paced, interactive study.
• Global Standard Expertise: Backed directly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), translating international urban forestry guidelines into clear, actionable lessons.
• Verifiable Digital Badge: Score 75% or higher in the final exam to unlock your official FAO digital certification badge for your professional portfolio.