If you are a city or municipality apply to join a global community of practice to exchange knowledge, connect with other cities, and access FAO and partners' support on your journey towards becoming greener, healthier, more inclusive and resilient.
For academics and researchers interested in the Green Cities Initiative, please read more about how you can connect with us on our Forum page.
The FAO Green Cities Network
The FAO Green Cities Network is a community of cities committed to transforming urban spaces using integrated approaches that deliver economic, social and environmental benefits – all at once. Currently there are over 300 cities that are benefiting from the initiative, including those affiliated through the joint FAO and Arbor Day Foundation Tree Cities of the World.
The Network promotes integrated solutions and strategies in three core areas:
- Urban and peri-urban forestry
- Urban and peri-urban agriculture
- Sustainable bioeconomy.
The FAO Green Cities Network is at the centre of the Green Cities Initiative (GCI). The aim of the GCI, which began in 2020, is to help generate tangible improvements in the health and well-being of people and in the surrounding environment in 1 000 cities by 2030.
The Network contributes directly to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 15 (life on land). It fosters city-to-city collaboration, facilitates knowledge exchange, and recognizes cities that lead the way in implementing innovative and successful greening initiatives.
The FAO Green Cities Network represents an opportunity to connect
with like-minded cities, accelerate progress toward a sustainable
future, and strengthen the capacity of cities to design, finance and
scale up green and inclusive transformations.
Cities that join the FAO Green Cities Network will benefit by:
- Increasing international visibility as a sustainability-oriented city
- Receiving tailored technical assistance from FAO and its partners
- Accessing green and climate financing opportunities
- Sharing solutions and learning from peer cities
- Accessing tools for green planning, implementation and monitoring.
The FAO Green Cities Network is open to all cities committed to putting people at the centre of green, inclusive and resilient urban transformation.
Member cities align with FAO’s work to advance sustainability, increase climate resilience and reduce inequalities. A city can apply for membership if it is committed to:
- Implementing urban forestry and green spaces, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and sustainable bioeconomy, including organic waste management and bioenergy
- Integrating green spaces, sustainable bioeconomy and agrifood systems in urban and territorial development
- A process of continuous learning and improvement through exchanges with peer cities and FAO.
Complete the application form online.
Successful applicant cities will receive official admission to the Network and gain access to tools, events, training and opportunities for cooperation. Membership of the Network is free. Applicant cities should designate an official focal point for coordination with FAO.
Documentation related to a city’s application will enable FAO to:
- Track engagement and collaboration with the city
- Monitor progress, outcomes and impacts
- Tailor support and identify opportunities for technical assistance and knowledge exchange.
New member cities will be announced online.
Contact us
The FAO Green Cities team is available to assist with the process of joining the Network.
Contact us at Green-Cities-Network@fao.org