Events

Healthy and Biodiverse Edible Cities

15 October 2024, 14-15.30
Online: on Zoom

Life in the city is associated with numerous health risks: Air pollution, urban heat islands, lack of open spaces for physical activity, loneliness and alienation from nature, among others. Observational studies suggest that biodiverse community gardens with wildflower meadows or pollinator-friendly hedges can reduce health risks by helping to regulate the climate, improve air quality and promote contact with nature. However, there is a lack of sound data to support the wider use of these gardens. The HEBEDI project aims to fill this gap.

At the kick-off meeting, we will introduce you to the project team. Afterwards, four different stakeholders will present their experiences with community gardens and showcase sample projects. In the subsequent panel discussion and Q&A session, the individual perspectives, obstacles and success factors will be analysed in more detail. The HEBEDI team will also provide information on planning and the next steps in the project. The event will conclude with an open discussion round.

Please note: The event will be in German without translation. The event will be recorded.

Programme

14:00 – 14:15	Welcome & introduction of the project team
14:15 – 14:35	Biodiverse gardens in practice: experiences from the guest experts
14:35 – 14:55	Panel discussion ‘Potentials and hurdles of implementation’, with audience questions from the chat
14:55 – 15:10	Presentation HEBEDI
15:10 – 15:30	Questions & open discussion

About HEBEDI

As one of the first intervention studies in the context of biodiverse community gardens, the research project contributes to the fundamental understanding of the health effects of biodiversity and thus complements the results of numerous observational studies. The modular structure of the community gardens and the accompanying development of an implementation concept are also intended to promote the implementation of species-rich community gardens in communities with different socio-spatial structures and thus make a contribution to prevention and health promotion.

Our guest experts

Local Green Deal Mannheim

Mannheim is leading the way as a pilot city to implement the European Green Deal at local level. The aim is to implement very specific measures to realise sustainable climate, nature and environmental protection in everyday life and business. Above all, the Local Green Deal in Mannheim is also an offer to the urban community to work together with citizens, politicians, administration, business and research to create a green, clean and healthy Mannheim and thus realise the Mannheim 2030 vision.

Gesobau

As one of the seven state-owned housing associations in Berlin, Gesobau stands for affordable housing and a secure home for over 100,000 Berliners. Gesobau currently manages around 47,500 flats in six Berlin districts. Affordable housing in climate-friendly neighbourhoods remains one of the most important issues of our time. In response to this, Gesobau maintains community gardens in several neighbourhoods where residents can grow their own vegetables, creating a space for recreation and interaction at the same time.

Ackerpause

The roots of Ackerpause lie in the non-profit organisation Acker e. V, under the umbrella of Acker. Together, the contributors share the vision of greater appreciation for nature and food. Since its foundation in 2019, Ackerpause has successfully facilitated communal vegetable experiences in living and working environments. Ackerpause works with over 500 arable experts. The regional teams have already ploughed and harvested at over 350 locations with more than 4,000 participants. To this end, fruitful collaborations are created and strengths are pooled, e.g. with Gesobau in Berlin.

Epple Immobilien

EPPLE GmbH has been carrying out sophisticated new-build property projects in south-west Germany since 1984. As a property developer and project developer, EPPLE is committed to creating unique places to live. These include the Schwetzinger Höfe in the centre of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, between Heidelberg and Mannheim. With its seven sub-districts, the Schwetzinger Höfe are characterised by the architectural idea of creating undeveloped, green inner courtyards as places of retreat.

This meeting is the start to a series of further events to which we would like to invite you. There will also be opportunities to present your own projects and report on your experiences at subsequent events. Please contact us if you are interested in sharing your experiences with community gardens with others.

Contact and further information

Stephanie Ligan:

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