Report (2020) about the first eco-settlement in Saarland

"Already today, near-natural, species-rich green spaces characterise Bonn's cityscape. The labelling process supports us on our way to further strengthen ecological green space management," says Fuchs. "Especially in large cities with growing populations like Bonn, it is important to continue to give nature space in the city. In the labelling process, intensive cooperation has been established with local partners who are committed to biodiversity. Together we want to inspire citizens for more nature in the city and invite everyone to contribute in their own way."

In the multi-stage labelling process, the participating municipalities were closely accompanied by the project office "StadtGrün naturnah" for one year. Together they analysed how the urban green spaces could be further ecologically upgraded and which strengths and potentials already distinguish the city. A local working group, in which representatives of the city, the Biological Station, nature conservation associations, the University of Bonn and the Vebowag are represented, accompanied the process.

The city of Bonn has been committed to more biodiversity in the city since 1993 with the Bonn Meadow Programme. Today, there are meadows on around 63 hectares in the city area where bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other insects cavort. Species-rich perennial beds have been planted along paths and streets, for example at the Windeckbunker and on the banks of the Rhine below the Beethovenhalle. At Bonn's South Cemetery, 5,000 square metres of unused lawns were transformed into brightly coloured flowering areas. In the future, species-rich meadows will also be created on unused areas at other cemeteries in Bonn.

In the city forest, the city promotes and protects insects, birds and many other animals and plants by leaving over twelve percent of the forest area to natural development. The Bonn city forest has been certified since 1999 according to the strict criteria of the Naturland Association for ecological and sustainable management. For example, the employees of the Bonn city forestry do not clear-cut or use pesticides and fertilisers.