URBAN FORESTS AND GREEN SPACES

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has published the first ever book to be written on African urban forests and green spaces. The 170 page compendium, which can be downloaded from their website, covers 34 urban forest case studies and forges an Africa-centric way forward for trees in cities.

The book is science-based and references global best practices, heralding a new era in which, as Africa continues to urbanise, its towns grow greener and its people have shaded streets and parks in which to exercise and relax.

According to the World Health Organisation, few, if any, other public health interventions can deliver the positive health and social outcomes that green space in cities can, including improved immune function and reduced respiratory disease. International experts have praised the book’s case studies that emerge from lived realities, informal practices and community action.

JCPZ manages over 1900 public green spaces including the zoo, parks, cemeteries, botanical gardens, nature reserves and bird sanctuaries. The book confirms Joburg’s ability to lead in excellence, and African researchers on the continent say it will serve as a reference text.

www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/files/Urban-Forest-full-book-DIGITAL-singles-1.pdf