2025

Cities can become ecosystems

Urban environments are often perceived as biologically simplified spaces shaped by infrastructure and human activity. Yet trees and managed green spaces within cities can restore essential ecological functions, sustaining biodiversity, regulating microclimates, and reconnecting fragmented habitats. When woody vegetation is integrated into the urban fabric, cities begin to function not only as built systems, but as living ecosystems.
Based on empirical data generated at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, urban and institutional green areas were found to store over 220 tons of carbon per hectare, directly contributing to the reduction of the urban carbon footprint. These field-based results demonstrate that effective climate change mitigation can be achieved within developed landscapes through well-managed urban vegetation.
By linking biodiversity conservation with carbon sequestration, urban green spaces emerge as practical nature-based solutions that enhance climate resilience and support sustainable urban development.

Read the full article in this issue!

Biodiversity and carbon storage in degraded landscapes

Woody vegetation plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystem functions in highly degraded landscapes, where natural structures have been profoundly altered. This study explores how perennial woody elements contribute to plant diversity conservation and carbon storage, highlighting their importance for ecosystem resilience and climate change mitigation. By examining vegetation structure, species composition and carbon stocks, the research emphasizes the value of managed woody systems as nature-based solutions supporting sustainable land use

Read the full article in this issue!

Cities can become ecosystems

Urban environments are often perceived as biologically simplified spaces shaped by infrastructure and human activity. Yet trees and managed green spaces within cities can restore essential ecological functions, sustaining biodiversity, regulating microclimates, and reconnecting fragmented habitats. When woody vegetation is integrated into the urban fabric, cities begin to function not only as built systems, but as living ecosystems.
Based on empirical data generated at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, urban and institutional green areas were found to store over 220 tons of carbon per hectare, directly contributing to the reduction of the urban carbon footprint. These field-based results demonstrate that effective climate change mitigation can be achieved within developed landscapes through well-managed urban vegetation.
By linking biodiversity conservation with carbon sequestration, urban green spaces emerge as practical nature-based solutions that enhance climate resilience and support sustainable urban development.

Read the full article in this issue!

Biodiversity and carbon storage in degraded landscapes

Woody vegetation plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystem functions in highly degraded landscapes, where natural structures have been profoundly altered. This study explores how perennial woody elements contribute to plant diversity conservation and carbon storage, highlighting their importance for ecosystem resilience and climate change mitigation. By examining vegetation structure, species composition and carbon stocks, the research emphasizes the value of managed woody systems as nature-based solutions supporting sustainable land use

Read the full article in this issue!