Differences and collaboration among urban forestry experts in the Tijuana-San Diego region

Urban forests that exist between nations are affected by the borders that cross them. These borders create differences and collaboration among urban forestry experts. Little is understood about urban forestry along the border between Mexico and the United States where several large cities sit across from each other. To address this research gap and increase representation in urban forestry research, we ask the question: How do differences between Tijuana and San Diego affect urban forest management and how do urban foresters collaborate across the border? Drawing from 22 interviews with urban foresters in the Tijuana-San Diego Region, the objective of this study is to better understand the challenges they face in this border region due to different social, political, and urban contexts. This study found that institutional collaboration between Tijuana and San Diego is limited within urban forestry; however, several attempts at individual cross-border cooperation were identified. Ultimately, this research offers valuable insights to inform urban forestry along the Mexico-United States border, and in bordered urban settings.