Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco— In a historic achievement, Puerto Vallarta has received recognition for the first time from Tree Cities of the World, a global initiative led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF). This program commends cities that demonstrate a commitment to establishing, growing, and caring for urban trees in their communities.
According to a recent press release, a total of 210 cities from 24 countries across six continents were honored this year for their efforts in promoting sound practices for tree management, care, and development. Of these, 75 cities are in Latin America, including 27 from Mexico—some of which have maintained the distinction for six consecutive years.
Reforestamos México’s Role
The civil association Reforestamos México serves as one of six international leaders of the Tree Cities of the World program. It offers assistance to cities and mayoral offices in Mexico and Latin America that are either renewing their status or seeking recognition for the first time. Reforestamos México highlights five key standards for any city aiming to earn the Tree Cities of the World designation:
- Designating a responsible party for managing urban trees
- Enforcing regulations to protect trees
- Collecting data to guide tree and green area management
- Allocating an annual budget for tree maintenance and growth
- Involving the community in celebrating trees
“At Reforestamos, we promote, encourage, and foster partnerships, strategies, and solutions for local governments and citizens. Our focus is on planting trees in cities and preserving urban forests to create greener and more resilient communities. Ensuring that each city and municipality meets the five standards is essential to achieving our goals,” said Gabriela López, Director of Trees and Cities at Reforestamos México.
Recognized Cities in Mexico
This year, 27 cities and municipalities throughout Mexico earned the “World Tree Cities 2024” recognition:
- Sixth consecutive year: Guadalajara (Jalisco), Mérida (Yucatán), and Toluca (State of Mexico).
- Fifth consecutive year: Durango (Durango), Irapuato (Guanajuato), Tuxtla Gutiérrez (Chiapas), and Zapopan (Jalisco).
- Fourth consecutive year: Tlalpan City Hall (Mexico City) and Villa del Carbón (State of Mexico).
- Third consecutive year: Miguel Hidalgo Mayor’s Office (Mexico City), General Terán (Nuevo León), San Luis Potosí (San Luis Potosí), and San Pedro Garza García (Nuevo León).
- Second consecutive year: León (Guanajuato), Iguala (Guerrero), La Paz (Baja California Sur), and Metepec (State of Mexico).
Newly Recognized Cities
For the first time, the following cities achieved recognition:
Cuernavaca (Morelos), Hermosillo (Sonora), Monterrey (Nuevo León), Nogales (Sonora), Oaxaca (Oaxaca), Puebla (Puebla), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco), Sahuayo (Morelos, Michoacán), Tlajomulco (Jalisco), and Zamora (Hidalgo, Michoacán).
Upcoming Annual Meeting
The annual Tree Cities of the World meeting is scheduled to take place from July 10 to 12 in San Luis Potosí. During the event, participants will attend conferences, workshops, and the presentation of the new program “Forests and Trees as a Human Right.”
Cities and municipalities interested in applying for World Tree Cities 2025 can email [email protected]. The call for submissions remains open until January 31, 2026.
Celebrating Through Mega Arborization
In June of last year, Puerto Vallarta participated in the Mega Arborization 2024 Puerto Vallarta initiative, which took place along Mexico Avenue. Organized by the Tree Conservation Organization (OCA) and Reforestamos México, with support from the Environmental Subdirectorate of the Government of Puerto Vallarta, the effort saw 100 native trees planted along a two-kilometer stretch. Species included Rosamorada (Tabebuia rosea), Primavera (Roseodendron donnell-smithii), Tronadora (Tecoma stans), Papelillo (Bursera simaruba), Mahogany (Swietenia humilis), Cedar (Cedrela odorata), Tabachincillo (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), and Yellow Bell (Thevetia peruviana).
These trees were donated by Reforestamos México through the Puerto Vallarta Regional Plant Nursery, as well as by the Environmental Directorate of the Bahía de Banderas Government and the CUCosta Nursery.
With its new “Tree Cities of the World” status, Puerto Vallarta stands among a select group of municipalities worldwide dedicated to growing healthier, greener urban environments for current and future generations.
