Mattia Rossi, Martina Mugnaini, Chiara Pratesi
Urban tree management involves more actors than we might think. But who really shapes decisions—and how do they interact? This is the question addressed by TREESURE through stakeholder mapping activities carried out in Cecina, Soria and Brasov as part of Task 2.1.
Managing urban trees is not the responsibility of a single institution. It is the result of interactions between municipalities, emergency services, technical experts, civil society organisations and, increasingly, citizens themselves. Each of these actors plays a role, but their influence, responsibilities and relationships are not always clearly visible.
To better understand this ecosystem, TREESURE applied adapted URBACT tools to identify and map stakeholders involved in urban tree management at local level. This process made it possible to visualise not only who is involved, but also how they are connected, how information flows between them and where decision-making power is concentrated.
The mapping revealed a multi-layered structure. Local authorities typically hold formal responsibility for urban tree management, supported by technical departments and external experts. Emergency services play a crucial role during incidents, while civil society organisations and local associations often act as intermediaries between institutions and communities.
However, beyond this formal structure, the actual dynamics are more complex. Some actors have a strong operational role but limited influence on strategic decisions, while others may shape priorities without being directly involved in implementation. This creates a system where responsibilities and influence do not always align.
Another important aspect concerns the flow of information. Effective decision-making depends on timely and accurate data, but communication between stakeholders is not always seamless. Differences in expertise, language and priorities can create barriers, making coordination more challenging, especially in critical situations.
The mapping also highlights the potential for greater involvement of citizens. While they are directly affected by urban tree management decisions, their role is often limited in formal governance structures. At the same time, they can provide valuable local knowledge and contribute to monitoring and reporting, if properly engaged.
These findings reinforce the idea that urban tree management is not only a technical or environmental issue, but also a governance challenge. Improving coordination requires not only better tools, but also clearer roles, stronger connections between actors and more inclusive processes.
For TREESURE, stakeholder mapping is not just an analytical exercise. It is a key step in building the foundation for co-creation activities, where different actors will be actively involved in shaping solutions. By understanding who is involved and how they interact, the project can design processes that reflect real dynamics and support more effective collaboration.
As TREESURE moves forward, these insights will feed into the creation of local monitoring hubs and participatory activities, ensuring that the system being developed is grounded in the reality of each territory and supported by a network of engaged stakeholders.