Working Together for a Greener City: Insights from Research and Practice

Prof. Dr Christoph Scherber, Head of the Centre for Biodiversity Monitoring and Nature Conservation Research at the LIB, highlighted the importance of biodiversity and green infrastructure, as well as the contribution that research can make to urban nature. Harris C. M. Tiddens, an urban and systems researcher, emphasised the immense importance of voluntary work in individual neighbourhoods. His key insight: effective climate and species protection thrives on people getting involved right on their own doorsteps. Kathleen Kück, a researcher at the LIB, presented the COGS (‘Communities Observing Green Spaces’) project, in which members of the public investigate biodiversity in their own gardens. The AI birdhouses she brought along – which are unfortunately currently out of stock – attracted particular interest.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution

In the lively discussion that followed, it became clear just how deeply the topic stirs people’s emotions. The participants engaged in an in-depth discussion about what each and every individual can contribute – from designing their own garden to creating green oases on a rented balcony. At the same time, there was a debate about where individual responsibility ends and where politicians and public authorities have a duty to take active control.

During the subsequent get-together in the museum’s café, there was a palpable desire to continue working together on this important issue. The event demonstrated the vast potential for future collaboration in Bonn and highlighted that a wide range of ideas and initiatives already exist. It became clear that every space and every neighbourhood requires tailored, flexible approaches. The individual skills and ideas of local people can be key to making this a reality.