Urban Community Forests - Our City's Sanctuaries

Urban community forests are collectively managed green spaces within cities, serving multiple purposes such as recreation, biodiversity conservation, and education. Urban and community forests play a vital role in our cities and communities, from improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect, to boosting property values, fostering community, and enhancing mental and physical health. Ahead of International Day of Forests - celebrated annually on the 21st of March - we want to raise awareness on the importance of all urban community forests, which are in danger of being lost forever due to rapid urbanisation. We catch up with Alicia Teoh, the Founder and Secretary of the Shah Alam Community Forest Society, to discuss the role these urban forests play in improving our quality of life, and why we must protect them at all costs.