UTOI z. s. is a non-governmental organisation focused on the practical optimisation of ecosystem services delivered by existing urban trees, with a specific emphasis on climate adaptation, resilience, and measurable climate impact in cities.
Our work addresses a structural gap in current urban climate strategies: while cities increasingly rely on trees for cooling, carbon uptake, and liveability, the performance of existing trees under climate stress is rarely managed, measured, or financially supported. UTOI develops applied frameworks that help cities move from symbolic green strategies to performance-based management of urban trees as climate assets.
At the core of UTOI’s activities is the development and piloting of arboronomy-based approaches — a decision and management framework focused on maximising the climate, environmental, and social functions of mature trees already present in urban landscapes. This includes cooling potential, water regulation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity support, and public health co-benefits, particularly in dense urban areas and culturally sensitive sites such as historic parks and squares.
UTOI works at the intersection of science, municipal practice, and climate finance. We collaborate with researchers, cities, and practitioners to translate scientific knowledge into implementable tools, indicators, and governance models that cities can realistically adopt. A key focus is the development of metrics and monitoring logic that allow cities to assess tree performance under heat and drought stress and to justify long-term investment in tree care and protection.
In parallel, UTOI explores financing mechanisms for urban tree adaptation, including pathways for ecosystem service valuation, climate and adaptation finance, and future carbon-related mechanisms at the level of individual urban trees. Rather than creating abstract markets, our approach focuses on demonstration, validation, and financial credibility, enabling cities to connect on-the-ground adaptation measures with funding instruments and policy frameworks.
UTOI acts as:
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a framework developer for cities and projects seeking to integrate urban trees into climate strategies in a measurable and defensible way,
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a partner in pilot and demonstration projects under EU Missions, Horizon Europe,e and LIFE,
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and a connector between municipalities, scientists, technology providers, and financing actors working on nature-based climate solutions.
We are particularly interested in collaboration with:
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cities and regions facing urban heat and water stress,
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project coordinators preparing adaptation, urban nature, or financing-oriented consortia,
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researchers seeking real-world testing environments for applied urban ecology and climate adaptation,
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and partners working on innovative financing models for climate resilience.
UTOI’s ambition is not to replace existing urban forestry practices, but to strengthen them with performance logic, evidence, and financing pathways, helping cities protect and enhance the value of their existing green infrastructure in a changing climate.