SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities–impacts on forests and forest-based livelihoods

Addressing global urban challenges through the implementation of SDG 11 depends on how cities prioritise resources and strategies over the next decade. This prioritisation is context-specific, relating to socioeconomic development trajectories and spatio-temporal urbanisation patterns.

Implementing SDG 11 will affect forests and forest livelihoods near and far from urban centres. The strategic inclusion of urban and peri-urban forests in city agendas and planning may help manage adverse effects, emphasising the role forests play in fostering productive rural–urban relationships.

SDG 11 implementation needs to foster people–nature connections in cities to avoid the possible negative consequences for forests and forestbased livelihoods caused by the urbanisation of minds and attitudes.

Many cities currently prioritise SDG 11 targets focused on basic services such as housing and transport, giving less attention to inclusive access to urban forests, protecting cultural and natural heritage or improving urban–rural linkages.

SDG 11 shows synergies with all other SDGs, creating opportunities in and around cities. Synergies delivered through sound urban forestry approaches could benefit not only urban dwellers but also forest communities.

The potential role of urban forests in achieving SDG 11 may be enhanced through the New Urban Agenda and global networks for collective stewardship. Benefits for forests and forest-dependent livelihoods largely depend on multi-scale governance and integrated territorial planning.