Urban forests and green spaces across Africa have long been overlooked, but that is beginning to change. Following the first in-person African Forum on Urban Forests hosted by the City of Johannesburg in 2025, the City is now releasing a pioneering book documenting urban forestry efforts across more than 30 African cities and towns.

The 170-page, highly illustrated publication features 34 case studies from across the continent, contributed by 75 authors, 80% of whom are African. It captures innovative approaches to greening urban spaces, from transplanting giant baobabs in Dakar, Senegal, and creating Miyawaki forests in Nairobi, Kenya, to restoring biodiversity around landfill sites in Durban and using trees to support mental wellbeing in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Published by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the book promotes an Africa-centred vision for urban forestry while drawing on global scientific research and best practice. It also highlights how trees and green spaces can contribute to healthier, safer and more resilient communities.

“Every tree planted in a township that was historically denied green space is an act of spatial justice," said Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director of JCPZ.

JCPZ Executive Manager for Environmental Conservation Lombard Shirindzi said the publication should inspire collective action. “Now it is up to us all, city leaders, practitioners, researchers, communities, and traditional knowledge owners to move from insight to implementation, from scattered effort to systemic change."

The publication also highlights local environmental challenges. A study by researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand examines the fungus-carrying beetle threatening Johannesburg's trees, while JCPZ horticulturalist Adelaide Chokoe warns that 96% of Johannesburg's trees consist of only four species — oaks, maples, plane trees and jacarandas — creating vulnerability in the city's ecosystem.

JCPZ manages more than 1 900 public green spaces across Johannesburg, including parks, cemeteries, nature reserves, bird sanctuaries and the Zoo. The book is expected to become a key reference text for urban forestry on the continent.

22/05/2026

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