Summary

This Module has introduced the concept of ‘governance’ as a way to frame, discuss and understand the often complex decision making about urban forests. Governance is a relatively new term which reflects a shift of decision-making responsibility from government to a wider range of actors, including businesses and civic society. Four key dimensions of urban forest governance were introduced: discourses, actors, resources, and rules of the game. Using these dimensions as a ‘lens’, you will be able to better understand and describe local urban forest governance situations. This understanding will also help you develop your own role as urban forest governance actor.

The next Module will focus on the ways in which the ‘big picture’ and more strategic decisions in urban forestry are implemented through strategic and operational management. This will include specific focus on the care of individual trees, also known as arboriculture. We will also show how policy, planning, management, and maintenance are all connected.