One of the key objectives of the UrbanGreenAdapt project is to develop practical solutions for climate change–adaptive green spaces across the Programme area. These solutions will be incorporated into training materials aimed at municipalities and sector professionals, enhancing their capacity to understand climate-related stressors affecting urban tree quality and to select appropriate tree species suited to both urban environments and future climate conditions.
To support this objective, researchers from Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija conducted intensive three-day field expeditions in the cities of Jelgava and Šiauliai. The purpose of these expeditions was to assess the dominant urban tree species, evaluate their current condition, and identify the main environmental and management factors influencing their health and resilience. A GIS-based methodological approach was developed for systematic data collection. Specific assessment criteria were integrated into a structured survey form using the ArcGIS Survey123 application. The collected data were categorised according to different functional urban zones, enabling more precise and context-specific recommendations for tree species selection within each zone. The study also examined the structural and biological diversity of urban greenery, alongside key factors affecting tree vitality, including maintenance practices, soil compaction, moisture regimes, and visually detectable pollution. This comprehensive assessment allowed for a nuanced understanding of how urban environments influence tree performance under increasing climate stress. In parallel with fieldwork, interviews were conducted with municipal representatives responsible for urban green infrastructure management. These discussions provided valuable insights into local green infrastructure and green space development plans, ongoing challenges, and strategic priorities related to urban greenery in both cities.
The collected data will be compiled into two detailed “Reports on Urban Tree Assessment under Urban Climate Stressors” for Jelgava and Šiauliai. Building on the field research findings, as well as knowledge gained during project training activities on climate-resilient trees in Germany, tailored “Climate-Resilient Species Recommendations” will be developed for the Programme area. These reports and recommendations will be delivered to the participating cities to support evidence-based urban green space planning and to strengthen long-term climate resilience.
The results of this study highlight the importance of integrating data-driven assessments with local knowledge when planning urban green infrastructure under changing climatic conditions. By combining field-based research, stakeholder engagement, and international expertise, the UrbanGreenAdapt project contributes to more resilient, sustainable, and adaptable urban landscapes in the Latvia–Lithuania Programme area.
