Nature oasis in Mitte: Children wanted for naming the new water on the Napoleonkai

Nature oasis in Mitte: Children wanted for naming the new water on the Napoleonkai

in Mitte, a district in Berlin, a new green area south of the Stade Napoleon was created. The former gravel cover was converted into a natural area that offers habitat for plants and animals. A central element of the green area is an approximately 900 square meter pond, which, however, has no name yet. For this reason, all children and young people from Mitte are invited to propose a suitable name for the pond.

The children's and youth office as well as the environmental and nature conservation office have started a call together to collect suggestions for the name of the water. The name should have a reference to nature, not be named after one person and be respectful. Submissions can be sent to kjbm@berlin.de by June 30, 2024. Three final names are selected from the proposals received, one of which will be announced at the opening of the green area on July 15, 2024. The people who have proposed the selected names receive a surprise.

The renaturation work of the former gravel coating started in early 2023 and were completed in early May. Contaminated sites were eliminated, sealed areas were sealed and concrete walls were demolished. In order to protect the newly created habitats, the core area is initially cordoned off by a wild fence. The area should develop into a biotope with extensively maintained plantings in the coming years.

The decision to develop this area as a natural area, far from living use, shows the endeavor to prioritize the Mitte district, nature conservation issues. District City Councilor Christopher Schriner emphasized the importance of creating new green areas in an increasingly condensed urban environment. He encouraged children and young people to actively participate in the naming for the new pond and be creative.

The initiative to name the pond is a positive step to promote environmental awareness and the participation of the young population in Mitte. The creation of natural habitats in urban areas is an important contribution to the preservation of biodiversity and to improve the quality of life in the city.

| Facts about the new green area |
| —- | —- |
| Location | South of the Stade Napoleon, Mitte, Berlin |
| Area | Around 10,000 square meters |
| Main feature | 900 square meters of large, nameless pond |
| Renaturation | Started in early 2023, closed in early May 2024 |
| Participation | Children and adolescents from Mitte can suggest names for the pond |
| Opening | Ceremonial opening on July 15, 2024 |

Source: www.berlin.de