The newest International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) North America Case Study highlights how the City of Sofia (Bulgaria) and the City of Atlanta (USA) are collaborating to strengthen urban forest management, advance nature-based solutions, and explore innovative climate financing mechanisms.
Cities worldwide face growing pressures from increasing populations, unequal distribution of green space, aging urban canopies, and limited resources for conservation. This 18-month cooperation, supported by the European Union, demonstrates how international exchanges can accelerate progress toward greener, healthier, and more resilient cities.
Urban Forests as a Shared Priority
Atlanta, often called “A City in a Forest,” maintains one of the highest urban canopy coverages among major US cities. Its comprehensive approach involves canopy preservation, long-term monitoring, community involvement, and a pioneering Carbon Credits Program that generates revenue to reinvest in sustainability, conservation and green community programs.
Sofia also has ambitious initiatives, such as the “New Forest of Sofia,” the city’s largest afforestation project designed to enhance air quality, cool urban areas, create new habitats, and reduce flood risks. These efforts align with broader municipal goals for climate resilience and community engagement, strengthened through previous initiatives like the CITIES4CSR project.
Carbon Credits as a Tool for Preserving Urban Nature
Atlanta’s Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve pilot demonstrated how urban forest conservation can generate carbon credits, enabling:
- Long-term forest protection
- New green financing streams
- Expanded environmental benefits such as biodiversity, air quality, and recreation
- Structural reforms to support future credit sales
For Sofia, similar opportunities may be possible through voluntary carbon registries such as the Balkan Carbon Credit Registry, Verra (VCS), or CEB VER potentially unlocking new funding pathways for future conservation efforts.
Lessons for Cities Worldwide
The Sofia–Atlanta partnership underscores key lessons:
- Urban forestry requires long-term planning, monitoring, and stewardship.
- Certification standards and carbon registry protocols are essential for new financing models.
- Pilot projects help cities gain experience, demonstrate impact, and scale solutions.
- Regulatory support accelerates conservation success.
- Strong partnerships with residents, businesses, and community groups ensure durable outcomes.
📘 Read the full Case Study to discover the innovative solutions, lessons learned, and actionable strategies that are helping the cities of Atlanta and Sofia to strengthen urban forest management, advance nature-based solutions, and explore innovative climate financing mechanisms.