AIPH proudly participated in the prestigious ISHS Greener Cities 2024 Symposium, held over four days at RHS Wisley, UK, from 25 to 28 September.
This global gathering brought together leading researchers, horticultural experts, and urban planners to advance sustainable urban development through the power of plants. The conference included insightful presentations, discussions, and tours of the renowned RHS Wisley Gardens and Herbarium, all highlighting the pivotal role plants play in creating healthier, more resilient, and prosperous cities.
Attendees explored a wide range of topics, from biosolar agriculture and active green walls to the importance of soundscapes and strategies for enhancing climate change resilience in urban areas. A central theme throughout the conference was how plants can mitigate pollution and reduce the urban heat island effect, with a particular focus on species-specific selection to maximise these benefits.
Representing AIPH, Dr Francesca Boyd presented a poster campaign during the symposium event, showcasing the role of AIPH’s Green City Initiative in bridging the gap between academia and industry. As the world’s champion for the power of plants, this initiative promotes sustainable urban development by emphasising the integral role of horticulture in building a greener future for generations to come.
Dr Boyd’s presentation, “Enabling Greener Cities—Sharing Experiences in Taking Science to Practice,” demonstrated how collaborative efforts could drive the adoption of green solutions in urban development, with a focus on knowledge sharing across a wide range of stakeholders. The AIPH Green City Initiative promotes best practices for using plants to transform urban areas into sustainable, healthy spaces for both people and nature.
“AIPH’s Green City Initiative is about harnessing the transformative power of plants to improve urban living. By connecting horticulture with city planning, we can build greener, more resilient cities,” said Dr Boyd. “Events like this allow us to share our experience and collaborate with researchers and practitioners worldwide, ensuring we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
A notable contribution came from AIPH’s newest Affiliate member, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Felix Loh, CEO, presented a case study highlighting the innovative approach to integrating greenery into city landscapes. His insights offered practical examples of how large-scale green infrastructure projects can drive sustainability, positioning Gardens by the Bay as a model for future urban developments.
In addition, Associate Professor Henrik Sjöman, who had also presented at the 76th AIPH Annual Congress in Warsaw earlier in the month, spoke on “Dendro Futura – the Trees of Tomorrow.” He emphasised the importance of selecting tree species that can thrive in future climates, reinforcing the need for long-term planning in urban green development.
The ISHS Greener Cities Symposium served as a powerful reminder of the global need for collaboration across horticulture, urban planning, and scientific research. The knowledge shared during the event will be instrumental in advancing AIPH’s mission to create greener cities worldwide. By fostering innovation, sharing best practices, and showcasing the vital role of plants, AIPH continues to lead the charge in advocating for sustainable, resilient urban environments.
