Urban health and urban forestry: How can forest management agencies help?

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that green space, including the urban forest, is linked to significant human health benefits both mentally and physically. This has led to some urban forestry programmes designed with the specific goal of improving human health. In this paper, empirical research to identify how urban forestry might best contribute to such benefits is reviewed. Four questions are considered: (1) What health outcomes should agencies aim to improve? (2) What kinds of urban forestry should be prioritised for human health? (3) What kinds of activities and social programmes should agencies support? (4) What kinds of partnerships are required to harness the health benefits of urban fore..