World Forum on Urban Forests Tree Planting Ceremony

Washinton, DC – To mark the importance of urban forests, a ceremonial tree-planting event was hosted at the Embassy of Italy during the 2nd World Forum on Urban Forests  (WFUF 2023) in Washington, DC. 

The tree planting initiative led by Restore Mass Ave and co-organizers of the WFUF 2023, planted Cornus Florida known as ‘Appalachian Mist’ native to eastern and central North America at the Embassy of Italy. Trees were also planted along several Embassies on Massachusetts Avenue including at the Embassy of Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, and Zambia.  

"The upcoming COP28 in Dubai and the Italian presidency of the G7 in 2024 will be an important opportunity for Italy to contribute to the goals of the global agenda in terms of sustainability and green transition,” said Ambassador Mariangela Zappia of Italy in her welcoming remarks. “It is crucial to raise awareness about the role of urban forests in sustainable development: they are the lungs of our cities, mitigate the impacts of urbanization and help lower temperatures in their vicinity." 

“The best time to plant a tree was 100 years ago, the next best time is now. FAO is pushing for sustainable green cities by promoting urban forests,” said Simone Borelli, Urban Forestry Officer at FAO, one of the co-organizers of the Forum.   

The session featured remarks on the importance of trees from the WFUF 2023 co-organizers including Earl Eutsler, Associate Director of the UrbanForestry Division, Department of Transportation (DDOT); Maria Chiara Pastore, Associate Professor, Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI); Fabio Salbitano, Member of the Board, SocietàItaliana di Selvicoltura ed EcologiaForestale (SISEF); Dan Lambe, Chief Executive Officer, Arbor Day Foundation; and Beattra Wilson, Assistant Director, Urban & CommunityForestry, UDSA Forest Service (USFS).  

At the event, Deborah Shapley, President of Restore Mass Ave, presented each of the Ambassadors of the Embassies participating in the Initiative as well as the State Department's Office of Foreign Missions with the World Forum Tree Awards for their efforts to sustain a full canopy of major trees along Embassy Row. 

The ceremony, moderated by Livia Shamir of Politecnico di Milano, served as a key event to raise awareness about the pivotal role of urban forests in sustainable urban development and encourage local and international collaboration to enhance urban green spaces. 

About the World Forum on Urban Forests  
The second World Forum on Urban Forests from 16-20 October 2023 will bring together over 1000 participants to take a journey dedicated to the vital role of urban forests in shaping healthy, inclusive, and resilient cities worldwide. Under the theme, ‘Greener, Healthier and Happier Cities for All’ the Forum features three days of presentations and discussion on innovative strategies to enhance urban green spaces, a day of field tours of urban green spaces, and the Cities Forum. Learn more: https://www.worldforumonurbanforests.org/