City Forest

This practice reinvests funds from the sale of timber back into developing and managing the forest and its facilities. Its origins go back to the 1990s, when the development of urban forests began with the Celje Urban Forest project. This permanent collaboration between the National Forest Institute and the Municipality of Celje ensures the sustainability of the forest’s ecological and social development. The initial steps help understand the solutions offered today: 

• 1996: Strategy for the development of urban forests in Celje, reviewed and approved by the City Council to: Protect forests through legal acts; Increase public forest areas by purchasing private forests; Develop recreational and educational potentials; Raise public awareness of urban forests; Ensure a permanent source of funding for management and development. 

• 1996: Preparation of professional foundations for the designation of forests for special purposes. 
• 1997: Organisation of a Forest, Tree, and City (Celje) conference in Celje, involving experts in forestry, landscape architecture, urban planning and environmental protection.
• 1997: Municipality of Celje adopts the Decree on the Designation of Forests for Special Purposes in the Municipality of Celje, the first legal act of its kind in Slovenia. 
• 2007: Adoption of the Decree on the Protection of Natural Tree Values of Local Importance in the Municipality of Celje. 
• 2015: Building of infrastructure and programmes for the forest, under the Interreg project GREEN4GREY. 

The development of the urban forest in Celje is an excellent example of a holistic approach to tackling urban challenges, as it simultaneously addresses environmental, economic and social dimensions. 

• Environmental aspects: Urban forests increase biodiversity by providing habitats for various plant and animal species. They improve air quality in the city, help regulate temperatures during hot summers, retain water and ensure better water quality. 
• Economic aspects: Urban forests attract visitors, boosting local tourism and stimulating the economy. The presence of such a large green area in the city creates a pleasant environment and increases property values. The development and management of urban forests also help employ people in the forestry and tourism sectors. 
• Social aspects: Urban forests offer space for physical activities and relaxation, improving the physical and mental health of residents. Green spaces provide opportunities for social gatherings and group activities, strengthening social bonds and community spirit. This City Forest model also includes educational programmes about the environment, biodiversity and sustainable development. 

A participatory approach has been crucial in successfully developing urban forests in Celje, involving various stakeholders in planning, decision-making and implementation. 

The Municipality of Celje and the Institute for Forests have a management agreement and have been collaborating successfully for years. The residents of Celje have fully embraced the City Forest as their own. They regularly inform the Institute for Forests or the municipality about damages to equipment or paths – and volunteer cleaning actions in the forest are well attended. 

In addition to the residents themselves, many other stakeholders are involved in the process. All kindergartens and elementary schools in Celje participate in education programmes on biodiversity and forest habitats, which are integrated into their regular curriculum. 

The Celje Tourism and Cultural Events Institute manages the Tree House, the largest of its kind in Slovenia. The tree house serves as an educational centre as well as hosting culinary, cultural, and other events such as yoga retreats, all of which are open and free to the public. Many individuals and groups collaborate in these programmes, including associations, musicians, and other cultural figures. 

While planning events in the forest and the Tree House is entrusted to the Celje Tourism Institute and the Institute for Forests, the Municipality plays a leading role in financing the maintenance of forest equipment, operational costs and paths.  

To highlight the positive impacts of the City Forest good practice, here is a snapshot of the situation before and after its implementation. 

Back in 1991, before the project began, Celje suffered from industrial pollution, which lowered quality of life and led to the neglect of urban forests. Forests were poorly maintained, with regular management abandoned due to low interest and mobility of residents. 

After 1996, the project’s implementation sparked changes in three key areas: 

• Forest protection: Celje City Council adopted a Decree on the designation of forests for special purposes, providing legal protection for the forests. 
• Forest acquisition: The Municipality of Celje systematically purchased private forests, increasing the share of public forested areas. 
• Infrastructure development: A network of forest hiking and multipurpose trails was built, along with educational and recreational points, enhancing the usability and attractiveness of city forests. 

As a result, the city has seen a wealth of improvements, including:

• Increased forest visits: The number of visitors to Celje’s urban forest increased more than fivefold over 25 years, from an estimated 15 000 in 1993 to 80 000 in 2018.
• New educational programmes: Approximately 40 guided educational forest tours are conducted annually, attended by over 1000 preschool and school children.
• Many visits by domestic and foreign experts and students who come to the City Forest to observe best practices. 

This practice is well-established, effective and relatively uncomplicated to adopt in other cities. The essence is agreement, collaboration, and the willingness of various stakeholders to work towards common goals for their forest.  

This unique City Forest model involves reinvesting funds from the sale of timber back into developing and managing the urban forest and its facilities. It also includes systematically educating children from a young age. Celje’s urban forest provides a vast space for recreation and walking, and various events – all carried out with maximum care for this sensitive ecosystem.   

This approach aligns with the principles of the EU Urban Agenda for better air quality, and the EU Territorial Agenda Green Europe – Healthy Environment in environmental protection. As for the Sustainable Agenda, it targets Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 15 (Life on Land – Sustainable Management of Ecosystems and Forest). 

The legislative basis for Celje’s Forest Management Plan is the Forest Act, where the Forest Institute presents the planning of forest management activities for several years ahead. Based on this law, the municipality adopted the Decree on the designation of forests for special purposes in the Municipality of Celje, under which it carries out its activities. Any city could adopt this practice within their own legislation. 

Celje continuously transfers its best practices and shares knowledge with the public. They have hosted numerous forestry study groups and international forest days. Notably, employees of the Institute for Forests pass on knowledge to students and experts from various natural science disciplines. Often, other municipalities from Slovenia visit Celje to learn about their forest management model. The Municipality of Celje invites other interested European cities to do the same.