Puerto Vallarta has been named the official host city for the 2026 meeting of the prestigious Tree Cities of the World program, an international initiative led by the Arbor Day Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Reforestamos México.
The international forum, titled Urban Trees as Seeds of Resilience, will take place on May 29 as part of the Tree Cities of the World 2025 recognition ceremony. The event is expected to welcome representatives from forty-four cities across Mexico, along with delegations from several Latin American countries, creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing on sustainable urban development.
Under the leadership of Mayor Luis Munguía, and with the support of civic organizations and academic institutions, Puerto Vallarta has earned this distinction for the second consecutive year. The recognition highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to responsible urban tree management and environmental planning.
Municipal officials say the designation reflects a comprehensive strategy focused on protecting natural resources while supporting continued growth. Efforts include updating local environmental regulations, modernizing the city’s tree inventory, and introducing environmental compensation measures designed to ensure that new development does not compromise ecosystem services. These initiatives contribute to maintaining cooler public spaces and healthier air quality for residents and visitors alike.
According to Laura García Santamaría, leader of Tree Cities of the World for Mexico and Latin America, the Tree Cities of the World program helps municipalities strengthen public policies, improve resource management, and adopt effective planning tools. She noted that the upcoming forum will encourage collaboration among cities working to reduce urban heat and enhance environmental resilience.
The honor builds on Puerto Vallarta’s initial recognition as a World Tree City in 2025, corresponding to the 2024 cycle. To achieve that status, the municipality dedicated resources to tree preservation, strengthened its regulatory framework, and conducted a comprehensive census identifying more than 23,000 urban trees representing approximately 200 species.
Hosting the international forum will allow Puerto Vallarta to share its successful experiences in green infrastructure while learning from experts and officials from other regions. The gathering is expected to reinforce the city’s role as an active participant in advancing resilient, environmentally responsible communities.
By welcoming specialists and representatives from more than 40 cities in Mexico and Latin America, Puerto Vallarta continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in urban sustainability and environmental stewardship.
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