Presentation of Hortis
The Association of Urban Nature Managers
As it approaches its 90th anniversary in 2026, Hortis is the national association that brings together and unites professionals responsible for the management, study, design, and animation of urban nature spaces.
It currently gathers a network of directors, department heads, technicians, engineers, supervisors, landscape designers, and all professionals committed to preserving and developing France’s landscape and natural heritage in the service of the public.
A network serving urban nature
Hortis’ main mission is to promote the know-how and values of those who bring parks, gardens, woodlands, greenways, promenades, and other vegetated spaces to life within local authorities.
In the context of ecological transition, climate change, and evolving urban uses, Hortis members are on the front line to imagine and implement concrete solutions that reconcile landscape quality, biodiversity, public health, and residents’ well-being.
The association serves as a privileged space for exchanges and cooperation among professionals. Members can share their experiences, pool best practices, and co-develop innovative strategies to address contemporary challenges: adapting plants to climate conditions, developing nature-based solutions, managing water resources sustainably, protecting biodiversity, practicing ecological management of green spaces, and integrating vegetation into urban development projects.
A leading role in the profession
Hortis works to promote and ensure recognition of the strategic role of public green space managers in the sustainable transformation of cities.
It acts as a source of proposals for institutions, inter-professional partners, and public decision-makers. Its technical expertise, grounded in field experience and research, makes it a key player in public policies related to urban nature.
Through its publications, training programs, and events, Hortis helps disseminate knowledge and strengthen the professionalization of the sector.
The association works in partnership with training organizations (CNFPT, CFPPA, National Schools of Landscape and Engineering), expertise centers (Plante & Cité, ASTREDHOR), associations, and professional sectors (UNEP, AITF, VAL’HOR, VERDIR, FFP) to foster innovation and build the skills of teams.
Key events
Hortis’ flagship event is its annual congress, which brings together every autumn several hundred professionals from all over France and Europe.
This highlight combines expert lectures, technical visits, workshops, and roundtables on a central theme. It addresses the environmental, social, economic, and cultural challenges of urban landscapes while providing unique opportunities for networking and sharing.
In 2025, the congress will be held in Marseille on the theme: Greening gardening practices: how is the gardener’s profession evolving in a changing context?
Key speakers will include Serge Zaka, agroclimatologist, and Pierre Donadieu, agronomist. The event will take place from October 23 to 25, 2025. To register: www.hortis.fr
Hortis also runs an active regional network, with local meetings, technical days, and regular exchanges between members, ensuring a close connection to field realities and the specific needs of each territory.
A vision for tomorrow
In a rapidly changing urban world, Hortis champions the idea that urban nature is not a luxury but a necessity. Green spaces are essential for health, well-being, climate resilience, and social cohesion.
The association advocates for long-term management with human, technical, and financial resources that match the scale of the challenges.
Being a member of Hortis means joining a passionate and committed community, convinced that vegetation is an essential component of sustainable cities and eager to build, together, the landscapes and cities of tomorrow.
