As part of ongoing sustainability efforts to increase the region's tree canopy, Council will apply for the City of Greater Geelong to be recognised as a Tree City of the World.
The program is an initiative of the United Nations and the Arbor Day Foundation to recognise cities committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed and celebrated.
Only seven Australian cities out of 139 cities around the world are recognised and the City of Greater Geelong would be the first in Victoria if successful.
There are several benefits of being recognised as a Tree City of the World, including:
- supporting the City of Greater Geelong's sustainability initiatives by promoting the importance of trees and the health and biodiversity outcomes that they help deliver
- raising the profile of our commitment to a cool green city
- connecting to a global network of cities practicing urban forestry excellence and
- meeting an action of the City's Urban Forest Strategy to strengthen partnerships with other greening agencies.
The Arbor Day Foundation requires cities to be able to demonstrate a commitment to caring for the urban forest, have a team responsible for tree management, have tree management rules in place, have an inventory and dedicated resources and celebrate trees.
