Hyderabad Recognized as the '2020 Tree City of the World'

Hyderabad has become the only Indian state that has achieved the position of 2020 Tree City of the World by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Arbor Foundation Day of the UN. The city is arranged with 119 other cities from sixty-three countries.

The countries with a high number of cities are Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States with 15, 11, and 38 cities in a respective manner. The countries achieved the position for their dedication to grow and maintain an urban forest in forging a high spirited, healthy, and better city.

The Arbor Day Foundation's president, Dan Lambe in a statement said that the cities are a part of a significant global network that will lead the way in the community and urban forestry.

He also added that "now, more than ever, trees and forests are a vital component of healthy livable, and sustainable cities and towns around the globe, Hyderabad's commitment to effective urban forest management is helping to ensure better future for its residents".

The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (Telangana) commented that the recognition is evidence of the sustained efforts and also institutional of caring, planting, and celebrating trees; development of urban forests and its strategic and systematic planning and dedication to build a healthy and happy city for now and also for the near future.

The mission of the program 'Tree City of the World':

As per the official website, "Tree Cities of the World provides direction, assistance, and worldwide recognition for your community's dedication to its urban forest. The program provides a framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program in your town or city. And the benefits are substantial." 

The eligibility to become the 'Tree City', the cities must adapt the below 5 standards:

(Source @treecitiesoftheworld.org)

Standard 1: Establish Responsibility

The city has a written statement by city leaders delegating responsibility for the care of trees within the municipal boundary to a staff member, a city department, or a group of citizens—called a Tree Board.

Standard 2: Set the Rules

The city has in place a law or an official policy that governs the management of forests and trees. These rules describe how work must be performed—often citing best practices or industry standards for tree care and worker safety—where and when they apply, and penalties for noncompliance.

Standard 3: Know what you have

The city has an updated inventory or assessment of the local tree resource so that an effective long-term plan for planting, care, and removal of city trees can be established.

Standard 4: Allocate the resources

The city has a dedicated annual budget for the routine implementation of the tree management plan.

Standard 5: Celebrate Achievements

The city holds an annual celebration of trees to raise awareness among residents and to acknowledge citizens and staff members who carry out the city tree program.

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