Rik De Vreese
Rik holds a master of Applied Biological Sciences - Forest and Land Management at Ghent University and a PhD in Human Ecology (VUBrussels, 2018).
He has been active in the urban forestry science-policy-practice interface since 2000. His research focusses on the relations between humans and woody ecosystems, in the urban and peri-urban sphere. More specifically, Dr De Vreese has been involved in research on integrating ecosystem services in decision-making and urban planning, mainly with a transdisciplinary lens and integrating stakeholders’ perspectives.
Rik is Board Member at the European Forum on Urban Forestry Association (EFUF).
Content by this person
Blueprint for Innovation in Urban Forestry
How can urban forestry innovate? 20 EU case studies reveal the key factors and offer a first framework for assessing innovation.
- Cities
Co-creating nature-based solutions with commonly excluded stakeholders
Barriers, practical measures, and eight guiding principles for co-creating nature-based solutions with commonly excluded stakeholders.
- Co-created solutions
Ecosystem services and disservices of forests and greenspaces
How do Europeans value forests and greenspaces? A study across 33 countries maps regional, demographic, and value-based differences.
- Forests and people
Enabling new informational landscapes for resolving nature-based solutions literacy and planning in Barcelona Metropolitan Area
A participatory process in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area mapping knowledge gaps and opportunities to support nature-based solutions planning.
- Cities
ESPON GILL methodology for quantifying the demand for green infrastructure at local level
A practical, step-by-step methodology to help local authorities quantify the demand for green infrastructure and integrate it into planning.
- Cities
Guidelines for urban forests as nature-based solutions (UF-NBS)
Guidelines for urban decision-makers on managing trees and urban forests as nature-based solutions, drawing on research from Europe and China.
- Cities
Handbook of tools for informing and monitoring urban greening strategies and nature plans
A handbook of 59 digital tools to help urban planners and policymakers inform and monitor urban greening strategies and nature plans.
- Cities
How can forests improve human health and wellbeing?
Read about the diverse effects of forests on our health and well-being.
- Forests and people
Events this person spoke at
28th European Forum on Urban Forestry 2026
The Forum is open to all interested in urban forest management, policy, planning and decision-making.
26 May 2026 – 29 May 2026
- Cities
