HARNESSING THE ECOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF REGENERATING TREE SEEDLINGS IN SEMI-NATURAL URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

With increasing awareness of the adverse impacts of climate change, pollution, wildfires, and deforestation, semi-natural environments (SNEs) have garnered significant attention, particularly in urban areas. Tree planting has emerged as a central activity in initiatives led by governments, NGOs, and institutions, expanding urban greenery and green spaces especially in SNEs. However, naturally regenerating tree seedlings in these SNEs resulting from seed dispersal, germination, and growth without direct human intervention face numerous challenges, including removal during sanitation activities, mechanical destruction, and neglect. This study investigates the ecological potential of naturally regenerating tree seedlings in urban SNEs, focusing on sustainable management strategies that enhance ecosystem services, urban forestry, and biodiversity conservation. The findings emphasize the benefits of these seedlings, such as reducing reliance on commercially purchased saplings, fostering acceptance of native species, and encouraging greater community involvement in urban greening initiatives. In urban SNEs, naturally regenerating tree seedlings can be utilized for community-based agroforestry, urban reforestation, protecting biodiversity, nursery development, and educational initiatives. The study comes to the conclusion that utilizing these seedlings ecological, financial, and social advantages can greatly help to create greener, healthier, better and more sustainable urban environments.