The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations promotes the Green Cities Network as a global community of practice designed to support cities in transitioning towards greener, healthier, and more inclusive urban environments.
The network is open to cities committed to adopting integrated approaches that simultaneously deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technical support, the network connects local governments, urban practitioners, and development partners. Its purpose is to accelerate urban transformation by promoting practical, scalable solutions that improve quality of life while strengthening environmental resilience.
Cities participating in the network are encouraged to implement long-term strategies that embed sustainability into urban planning, governance, and service delivery.
Core focus areas of the network
The FAO Green Cities Network promotes integrated urban development strategies built around three core thematic areas:
.Urban and peri-urban forestry
.Urban and peri-urban agriculture
.Sustainable bioeconomy systems
These focus areas are designed to strengthen the relationship between cities and surrounding ecosystems while improving food systems, green infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
Urban and peri-urban forestry initiatives focus on expanding tree cover, restoring degraded landscapes, and improving air quality within and around cities. These efforts contribute to climate regulation, biodiversity protection, and improved public health.
Urban and peri-urban agriculture promotes local food production systems that enhance food security, reduce supply chain pressures, and provide income-generating opportunities for urban residents. It also strengthens community resilience against shocks such as food price volatility and supply disruptions.
The sustainable bioeconomy component encourages the efficient use of biological resources to produce goods, energy, and services in ways that reduce environmental impact and support circular economy principles.
Green Cities Initiative context and objectives
The Green Cities Initiative forms the strategic foundation of the Green Cities Network. Launched in 2020, the initiative aims to generate measurable improvements in the health, well-being, and environmental conditions of at least 1,000 cities by 2030.
It supports cities in adopting integrated planning approaches that align environmental sustainability with social inclusion and economic development. The Initiative emphasises long-term transformation rather than short-term interventions.
Key objectives include:
.Enhancing urban resilience to climate change
.Improving access to green spaces and ecosystem services
.Strengthening local food systems
.Promoting sustainable resource management
.Supporting inclusive urban governance
Through these objectives, the initiative positions cities as key actors in achieving global sustainability targets.
Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals
The FAO Green Cities Network contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular alignment to several priority goals:
.SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through improved urban food systems and local production
.SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through enhanced green spaces and reduced pollution
.SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through integrated urban planning
.SDG 13: Climate Action, through mitigation and adaptation strategies
.SDG 15: Life on Land, through biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
The network strengthens collaboration between cities and facilitates knowledge exchange, enabling local authorities to learn from successful models and replicate proven solutions.
It also recognises cities that demonstrate leadership in implementing innovative greening strategies, thereby encouraging continuous improvement and innovation across the network.
Membership and participation in the network
The FAO Green Cities Network is open to cities that are committed to advancing urban sustainability through integrated and evidence-based approaches. The application process is free of charge, ensuring equitable access for cities of different sizes and development contexts.
Cities interested in joining are typically expected to demonstrate:
.Commitment to sustainability and environmental improvement
.Capacity to implement integrated urban development strategies
Willingness to engage in knowledge sharing and collaboration
.Alignment with the objectives of the Green Cities Initiative
Once accepted, member cities gain access to a global community of practice that facilitates peer learning, technical support, and exposure to innovative urban greening solutions.
Benefits of joining the network
Participation in the network provides cities with several strategic advantages:
.Access to technical expertise from FAO and partners
.Opportunities for city-to-city collaboration and peer learning
.Visibility for successful urban greening initiatives
.Inclusion in global sustainability dialogues
.Support in developing integrated urban strategies
These benefits enable cities to strengthen institutional capacity while accelerating progress towards sustainable urban transformation.
Support and contact information
The FAO Green Cities team provides guidance and assistance throughout the application and membership process. Cities seeking additional information or support are encouraged to contact the team directly.
Contact e-mail: green-cities-network@fao.org
The team assists with application procedures, clarifies eligibility requirements, and supports cities in aligning their initiatives with the goals of the network.
