In a resounding testament to its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and urban forestry, the City of Mississauga has once again been bestowed with the esteemed Tree Cities of the World designation for the year 2023. This renewal of recognition marks the fourth time Mississauga has achieved this prestigious honor, solidifying its place among the global leaders in urban and community forestry.
The Tree Cities of the World program, administered jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation, celebrates cities that demonstrate exemplary dedication to the care, management, and celebration of their urban forests and trees. Mississauga stands tall among the 200 cities worldwide recognized for their outstanding efforts in this regard.
We’re excited to receive the 2023 Tree Cities of the World designation, renewing our recognition for our commitment to urban and community forestry.
Learn more: https://t.co/KWM0oB171m@saugaparksrec pic.twitter.com/9cWAsvU5PY
— City of Mississauga (@citymississauga) March 25, 2024
To earn this esteemed designation, Mississauga has consistently adhered to five core standards outlined by the program, which include establishing responsibility for tree care, implementing rules for managing trees, maintaining updated inventories of local tree resources, allocating resources for tree management, and actively celebrating achievements in tree preservation and enhancement.
With over 2 million trees gracing its landscape, Mississauga recognizes the invaluable role that trees play in combating climate change, improving air quality, mitigating stormwater runoff, reducing urban temperatures, and providing crucial habitats for wildlife. These green giants not only enhance the environment but also contribute to the overall health and quality of life enjoyed by residents.
Key initiatives such as the City’s Natural Heritage & Urban Forest Strategy, Urban Forest Management Plan, and Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy underscore Mississauga’s proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and safeguarding its tree canopy against threats posed by invasive species and severe weather events.
In pursuit of its ambitious environmental goals, Mississauga has embarked on the One Million Trees program, aiming to plant an additional one million trees by 2032. Since the program’s inception, the city has already planted over 500,000 native trees and shrubs, demonstrating tangible progress towards its green objectives.
Residents interested in contributing to Mississauga’s tree-planting efforts, volunteering for tree planting events, or making donations to support the cause are encouraged to visit the onemilliontrees.ca website for more information.
For further details on the Tree Cities of the World designation and the global initiative behind it, individuals can explore treecitiesoftheworld.org.
Mississauga’s reclamation of the Tree Cities of the World title serves as a testament to the city’s unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and its ongoing commitment to ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents.
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