Hamburg secures the designation of 'European City of Forests'
Hamburg Named "European City of Trees 2025"
Hamburg, Germany, has been awarded the title of "European City of Trees 2025" by the European Arboricultural Council (EAC). The recognition comes in light of Hamburg's comprehensive commitment to tree management, particularly in adapting to climate change.
The city's sustainability efforts have been hailed as quite outstanding, with over 3,200 hectares of parks and green spaces providing a vital green infrastructure and contributing significantly to the city's climate. Hamburg's trees play a crucial role in the city's efforts to combat climate change.
One of the city's notable projects is the "Trees in the City in Climate Change," which develops an adaptation plan for Hamburg's tree population to climate change. This plan aims to ensure the city's trees continue to thrive and provide their many benefits in the face of a changing climate.
The city's commitment to its green spaces extends to local businesses as well. Hamburg's sustainability project is driving the greening of local companies, demonstrating a holistic approach to environmental conservation.
Katharina Fegebank, Second Mayor and Senator for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Agriculture, sees the ECOT award as a challenge to secure and further expand Hamburg's status in urban tree management. She emphasized that the award is a testament to Hamburg's long-standing commitment to tree protection, which dates back to 1948 when the city took the first German tree protection regulation.
Since 1998, Hamburg has a digital tree cadaster, a system that digitally records and manages its tree population. This system has been a model for other cities, with many orienting themselves on Hamburg's cutting method developed in the city.
Hamburg's tree protection on construction sites is commendable and has been pioneered for years. Over 30,000 of Hamburg's approximately 230,000 street trees are over 80 years old, with half of them over 100 years old. The city has long-term strategies against tree diseases and protects old and existing trees.
A green kayak initiative in Hamburg has reported positive results, providing a unique perspective on the city's green spaces from the water. Hamburg's climate change information system offers new insights, furthering the city's understanding of its environment and its efforts to protect it.
The organization that awarded Hamburg the title "European City of Trees 2025" is the German Association of City and Landscape Architects (GALK) during an event at Bonn City Hall on July 4, 2025. This recognition underscores Hamburg's dedication to its green spaces and its role as a leader in urban tree management.
