23.5.2012

Turku hands over the title of European City of the Trees to Amsterdam

Above: Horticultural expert Aki Männistö (right) hand overs the title to Dirk de Jager, The Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam. Photo: Jan Goevert

Above: A row of trees decorates a canal bank in Amsterdam. Photo: Jan Goevert

Turku’s time as European City of the Trees officially ended on 11 May, 2012 when Aki Männistö of Turku Municipal Property Corporation handed over the title to the City of Amsterdam.

The ceremony was fittingly held in connection with the Dutch Tree Climbing Championships. The title was accepted by Dirk de Jager, the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam.

– The Netherlands is known for its knowledge about trees and the high quality of its care for them and Amsterdam is graced with trees. I am really happy that Amsterdam was chosen as [European City of the Trees] as it is a worthy successor to Turku, says Männistö

Turku was chosen as the European City of the Trees for 2011. It was granted the honorary title by the European Arboricultural Council (EAC). The choice is based on the high quality of a city’s tree care as well as its current tree inventory and integrated tree management plan.

More info:

VHG (Holland’s green entrepreneurs) press release:

www.european-city-of-trees.com

www.turku.fi/puupaakaupunki