Photo credits: Nicolai Becker; Kathrin Scheurich).
By Ingo Kowarik, Wolfgang Busmann, and Irma Stopka.
Most of us live in cities, where opportunities to experience nature are limited. This is concerning, as urban residents miss out on the health benefits that nature provides. Moreover, support for nature conservation begins to decline, since we are more likely to protect what we have positive experiences with. This issue also has a social-political dimension: people in challenging circumstances often have fewer green spaces in their neighborhoods, and obstacles often prevent them from visiting parks.
The Berlin Nature Conservation Foundation has recognized that traditional environmental education is not enough. We analyze seven programs run by the foundation to connect Berliners more closely with urban nature. Since 2007, the flagship event, the Long Day of Urban Nature, has attracted 15,000 to 25,000 people each summer weekend. Over 500 outdoor events offer access to various forms of urban nature, from natural remnants and designed green spaces to wild nature in abandoned areas.
The Urban Nature Rangers are active every day in all city districts, promoting nature-friendly behaviors among visitors. The Nemo program provides children with opportunities to experience nature in their school surroundings, and 81% of Berlin’s primary schools have participated so far. Two programs specifically target disadvantaged neighborhoods. In Nature Experience Areas, a new type of green space, children can independently interact with natural elements. Around 94,000 children have benefited from this program thus far. The Nature Companions program connects people in challenging life situations with nature in their local areas, through social and health institutions. Finally, the Wild Berlin videos showcase urban nature, while the Environmental Calendar serves as a hub for hundreds of nature-related events across the city.
The success of these programs is largely due to the Berlin Nature Conservation Foundation’s structure. With equal representation from the legislative, executive, and environmental organizations, decisions are made collaboratively, fostering non-partisan support. Additionally, all projects are integrated into a broad network of stakeholders, allowing the foundation to effectively connect city dwellers with the nature around them. Such initiatives can play a vital role in the future of biodiversity conservation and in creating more sustainable, nature-connected communities.
Relational Thinking 