VALHOR Positions Plants As Essential Infrastructure In Urban Development

Green tram corridors in Toulouse illustrate the integration of transport infrastructure and urban vegetation within climate-adaptive city planning.

French interprofessional organisation VALHOR has outlined its strategic vision for plants to be placed at the heart of “territorial development” and ecological transition policies — a term in France that describes how cities, regions, and local communities are planned and managed.

Presented at the 2025 Mayors’ Congress in France, the manifesto ‘Sustainable Territories: Place au végétal!’ is aimed at elected officials and urban decision-makers, with a clear message: plants should be viewed not as optional additions, but as essential components of resilient and liveable environments.

VALHOR, an AIPH Affiliate Member, represents horticulture, floristry, and landscaping businesses across France. Through the manifesto, the organisation highlights the sector’s contribution to climate adaptation, biodiversity recovery, water management, and public wellbeing, while also underlining its economic weight and employment footprint.

“Choosing plants means choosing a more resilient, healthier and more attractive future for our territories,” said VALHOR President Florent Moreau.

The document reflects growing public expectations around access to green spaces and greener cities, and argues that vegetation must be integrated into planning and development decisions from the outset, rather than treated as a secondary consideration.

Tree-lined urban corridors in Paris demonstrate how structured planting enhances microclimate and public space quality.

VALHOR points to strong public demand as a key driver behind the manifesto. Surveys cited by the organisation show that 67% of French citizens want more greening in urban spaces, while 93% view access to green areas as a civic right. Yet, the manifesto suggests that plants are still too often treated as an “adjustment variable” in development policies.

“We are faced with a strong citizen expectation that challenges us, while at the same time opening new opportunities for every profession working with plants,” Moreau said.

For professional growers, landscapers, and supply-chain businesses, the manifesto reinforces the sector’s strategic role in delivering climate-resilient cities and regions, while also calling for stronger recognition of plant professionals as partners in long-term territorial planning.

“No ecological transition will happen without trees, plants, flowers, and gardens,” Moreau explained. “This manifesto is a direct support to companies and their ability to support the territories.”

For more information, visit VALHOR.