Brazilian researchers push for forest‑integrated cities

Researchers presented the concept of “fitópolis” at the 3rd International Transmutar Seminar held by the Inhotim Institute in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais. Italian plant‑neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso argued that cities should be treated as living organisms, aiming for at least 60 % vegetation cover, a 20 % reduction of asphalt, elimination of combustion‑engine vehicles and highly efficient public transport. He said, “Plants are highly complex, sophisticated systems… we should consider them more.” Ecologist Fabio Scarano added that recognizing non‑human intelligence could change attitudes, noting, “They are not just landscape, they are siblings.” The proposal targets climate‑change mitigation, noting that 70 % of the global population now lives in cities. Archaeologists highlighted ancient Amazonian “garden cities” as historical precedents, stressing the need to reintegrate forests into modern urban planning.

The seminar gathered Brazilian and international scholars to discuss how integrating forests and plant intelligence into urban design could improve resilience, air quality and quality of life.