Cancún Earns ‘Tree City of the World 2025’ Distinction for Urban Reforestation

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Cancún has received the “Tree City of the World 2025” designation, an international recognition that validates the city’s progress in managing green spaces and promoting urban forestry through its local reforestation program.

Mayor Ana Paty Peralta announced the achievement, noting that it places Cancún within a global network of cities committed to environmental sustainability.

The Tree Cities of the World program, led by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Arbor Day Foundation, currently includes 280 cities worldwide—44 in Mexico and 23 in Latin America.

What Cancún Did to Earn the Distinction

The recognition stems from the “Arboriza Cancún” program, which in its first phase has reported:

• More than 2,700 trees planted
• 15 reforestation events in public spaces
• A goal of 11,000 native trees by 2027

The project is now advancing with a second phase focused on secondary and high schools.

Criteria for the Recognition

The organization Reforestamos México evaluates five key standards:

1. Clear responsibility for urban tree management
2. Regulations protecting trees
3. Public information about green areas
4. Annual budget for maintenance
5. Active citizen participation

Global Context of the Recognition

The Tree Cities of the World program launched in 2018 during the World Forum on Urban Forests in Mantua, Italy, as an initiative to promote more resilient and sustainable cities.

In Mexico, other cities that have also received the distinction include Querétaro, Morelia, Orizaba, and boroughs of Mexico City.

Benefits of Urban Forestry

Strengthening green areas in cities like Cancún has direct impacts:

• Improves air quality
• Reduces urban temperatures
• Prevents flooding
• Decreases noise pollution
• Promotes mental health
• Increases property values