Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: Pioneer project for biodiversity and climate protection!

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: Pioneer project for biodiversity and climate protection!

The Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district office has published a comprehensive biodiversity report on the natural maintenance of green spaces. The brochure provides information about how habitats for plants and animals can be created and at the same time describes the district's preparations for the consequences of climate change. Around 130 employees in the green spaces department effectively look after the parks, street trees, playgrounds and cemeteries.

New approaches to care are implemented through adapted mowing concepts. These provide for less frequent mowing in certain areas in order to create habitats for insects and small animals. In addition, local wild perennials from our own production are planted. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is the first municipality in Germany to grow wild perennials themselves and use them on a larger scale.

Sustainable soil improvement

In the Jungfernheide Volkspark, biochar was used on a meadow, which improved the soil quality and increased water retention. These measures are not only important for local climate protection, but also contribute to resource conservation. The district office has received several awards for its efforts, including the gold level of the “StadtGrün naturnah” label and the title “Climate Protection Partner of the Year 2025” from the IHK Berlin.

District councilor Oliver Schruoffeneger emphasizes the important role of green spaces for biodiversity and the urban climate. In order to inform the public about natural care, the district office uses display boards, online offers and personal discussions. The brochure “Colourful hustle and bustle in Berlin” presents the most important projects and goals and can be viewed and downloaded on the district office’s website.

Recent reports from the World Biodiversity Council (IPBES) highlight the challenges facing biodiversity worldwide. It is estimated that around one million species are at risk of extinction, resulting in significant negative impacts on ecosystems. Ecosystem functions critical to human health and economic stability are increasingly at risk. The last biodiversity conference in Colombia produced no tangible results, underlining the urgency of the situation.

Global strategies for biodiversity and climate protection

Within the framework of 70 proposed solutions, the IPBES has identified five central strategies for transformative change: from the preservation of biodiversity-rich areas to the creation of environmental policy standards and integrative education about biodiversity. Immediate action could not only create over $10 trillion in business opportunities by 2030, but also generate 395 million new jobs. Solutions that improve climate, biodiversity and adaptation to climate impacts are urgently needed.

Scientists warn, however, that delayed measures will significantly increase the costs of combating the crises in the coming years. These connections highlight the need to address the challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity together to secure the future of our planet. The district office in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf makes an important contribution and shows how local initiatives can be in line with global challenges.