Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) has joined a European network of scientists and experts as part of the European Network for the Integrative Approach of Urban Forestry (INTUF)—a new initiative supported by the European Commission under the COST Action framework. The project aims to develop an integrated approach to urban forestry, addressing challenges posed by climate change and the creation of sustainable cities.

Urban forestry, although increasingly perceived as a key element of green urban infrastructure, still faces many barriers—including the lack of standardisation, fragmented knowledge, and difficulties in managing long-living yet often short-lived trees. The average lifespan of a tree in urban space is only 30 years, which significantly limits the potential of ecosystem services they can provide.

The INTUF project (CA23148), funded under the COST Action framework, aims to conduct an integrated assessment and comparison of the condition of urban forests across different European countries, develop a framework for long-term urban tree management based on scientific research, and build cross-sectoral partnerships supporting effective management of tree spaces in cities. The project also focuses on knowledge transfer, support for early-stage researchers, and increasing the competitiveness of scientific research in Europe. It will promote the inclusion of less research-intensive countries (ITC) in international collaboration and provide support for young innovators.

The project involves over 30 European countries. It is coordinated by Dr Dieter Anseeuw from VIVES University College (Belgium), while the activities at the Warsaw University of Technology are led by Prof. Małgorzata Kacprzak from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Mechanics and Petrochemistry. Professor Kacprzak is a member of the project’s Management Committee and leads the task: Capacity building specifically addressing small cities and towns: how can we keep them on board and provide targeted support and guidance? This activity is part of WG2: Strategic management: towards long-term, science-driven approaches in urban forestry.

– Trees growing in cities paved over with concrete don’t have it easy – says Prof. Małgorzata Kacprzak. – Yet we expect them to perform many ecological, often strictly engineering functions—purifying air, lowering temperatures, retaining water, and most importantly, improving our well-being on hot days. As part of this project, we want to develop a management strategy for urban tree stands that combines environmental, social, and economic aspects. This is a particular challenge for small and medium-sized cities across the continent.

The project will run from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2028.

Management Committee meeting of the INTUF project held in Bratislava on 10–11 March