Bilbao's status as European Forest City 2014 was formalized on 20 March, with the presentation of a certificate by EFI's Director, Risto Päivinen, to José Luis Sabas, Deputy Mayor of Bilbao.

With more than 1.000.000 people in the metropolitan area, Bilbao is the most populated city in the Basque Country (Spain).  During recent years the City Council has worked hard to create new green and forest areas, and to improve the existing ones.  Forest areas in the Bilbao region currently account for more than 1.000 hectares.

EFI will grant the title of "European Forest City" every year to the city hosting the EFI Annual Conference.  During that year, the chosen city will be allowed to use this title and associated logo for its promotion and communication activities.

Initiatives of this kind help build public awareness of the value of urban forests and the multiple services they provide.  Urban forests are not only about finding trees in the city.  They help purify the air and reduce energy demand, they provide bird and wildlife habitat, and contribute significantly to the quality of life of the city inhabitants by reducing the stress and noise of the city, and offer recreational opportunities, among other benefits.

More information about this can be found on the EFI website at:

http://www.efi.int/portal/members/european_forest_city/