Cities Walk, Forests Run: Trees and Forests as Nature-based Solutions in Transforming Biocities

In response to the accelerating ecological crises and climate change, cities are being reimagined not only as centers of innovation but also as dynamic socio-ecological systems. The concept of “BioCities” emerges as a transformative model that emulates the principles of natural and social-ecological systems, fostering synergy between urban development and the planet's life-support systems. This chapter explores the critical role of trees, forests, and nature-based solutions (NbS) in adaptive spatial planning for the transition toward BioCities. It elaborates the major issues rising from overall urban governance, the need to negotiate multiple interests and conflicts, and the potential added value and trade off emerging from the adoption of urban forest and trees and NbS as concrete and effective solutions towards nature-positive cities. Grounded in scientific and technical evidence, we present a framework for integrating green infrastructure and urban forestry within the multifunctional urban landscape, providing examples and proposing road maps towards more sustainable and resilient cities. We investigate planning strategies that promote ecosystem connectivity, carbon sequestration, climate adaptation, and social inclusion. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations and a roadmap for embedding forest-based NbS into urban regeneration strategies under the constraints of planetary boundaries.