Urban forests and their ecosystem services in relation to human health

Abstract

In this chapter we briefly discuss the concept of forest taking into account the provision of different goods and services. We provide some technical information on the forest classification systems adopted in Europe which are then reflected in the different roles and meanings that Europeans give to forests. We give a special emphasis to urban forests considering their origins, typologies and indicators. The importance of urban forests is analyzed including the role that forest areas and green spaces can play in contemporary (sustainable) cities. Different citizens' attitudes towards urban environment are also discussed considering the cultural differences existing at European level. The effects of urban forests on urban environments (i.e., hydrology climate, air quality, biodiversity) and human health are finally discussed. This chapter considers the social role of urban forest and the relationship existing between forests and communities through emerging approaches such as community forests. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.