Urban forestry is defined as the management of trees for their contribution to the physiological, sociological, and economic well-being of urban society. Urban forestry deals with woodlands, groups of trees, and individual trees, where people live ; it is multifaceted, for urban areas include a great variety of habitats (streets, parks, derelict corners, etc) where trees bestow a great variety of benefits and problems. (Denne, adapted from Grey and Deneke, 1986)

The concept of Urban and Peri-Urban Forestry was first mentioned in 1894, but really knew a revival recently, in the 60s, as an interdisciplinary approach able to solve the issue of trees in human settlements. It is innovative by its multidisciplinary character, involving forestry, urbanism, land cover and land use change.

Peri-urban forest (background: Cupressus spp.) and Orchard with Olive trees in Florence (Toscane, Italie) (photo: M. Malagnoux)		Trees have been planted in medians and sidewalks on both streets and parking areas, Caracas

In recent years, experts and institutions concerned with the sustainable development of cities have paid increasing attention to the potential role of tree planting in landscape structuring, beautification of the urban environment and improvement of health conditions. Brisk expansion of urban populations in developing countries is projected by 2025, and many settlers will live in poor conditions and will face food insecurity, lack of clean drinking-water, inadequate energy for domestic use, shortage of construction material, air pollution and insanitary disposal of waste and sewage. Much of the urban expansion will be on hillsides prone to erosion or in swampy areas. Urban trees hold potential to protect reservoirs from erosion and siltation, to stabilize hilly or sloping areas, to minimize air pollution through carbon sequestration and to generate income. In addition, beautification of cities through tree planting can stimulate investment, develop business and create employment.

Thus, although there has been great progress in the urban forestry of developed countries, there continues to be a strong need for promotion and adaptation in order to respond the specific needs of developing countries in terms of livelihood, poverty alleviation and food security.