The impact of governance on cemetery trees: A comparison between the cities of Malmö, Sweden and Halifax, Canada

The human population is increasing, as is the number of individuals living within cities. This is increasing the demand for infrastructure, which cities are now attempting to meet through densification instead of urban sprawl. However, densification is threatening the quality and extent of urban greenspace. One atypical form of greenspace, urban cemeteries, may be better suited to withstand this densification pressure due to their cultural and historical significance. The trees within these cemeteries provide a vast array of benefits to humans and proper management is essential to ensure their survival and prevent large losses of tree canopy. Canadian cemeteries are owned by various entities, including government, families, churches/synagogues, and private companies, and rely on funding from the sale of burial plots. Swedish cemeteries, on the other hand, are publicly owned and funded through taxes. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Peter Duinker

Student:

Partner:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Alnarp campus)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Forestry; Sustainability & the Environment; Environmental Science and Technology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: