Triangular establishment serving traditional Döner kebabs
The University of Applied Sciences in Koblenz recently organised the first nationwide "unsealing" competition this year, a movement that originated in the Netherlands and is now gaining traction across Germany. The competition, aimed at enhancing the ecological value of urban areas and improving living environments, has found a home in Giessen.
In the heart of the city, an environmental action was organised by the House of Sustainability e.V., the German Trade Union Confederation, the Giessen Unemployed Initiative e.V., and Fridays for Future. The action, held at Walltorstraße 17, aimed to eliminate illegal waste deposits around recycling containers, with the goal of improving the area's ecological value and living conditions for those in the vicinity.
The "unsealing" competition encourages the unsealing and greening of areas, regardless of their size, to provide space for climbing plants. The new location for the recycling containers has been set at Walltorstraße 36. The municipal garden department plans to plant the area soon, creating a seating area that will further enhance the green space.
The principle of a "sponge city" is achieved through various means, including cisterns, rigoles, unsealed and greened areas, trees, and building greening. Cities have set the goal of implementing this principle, which aims to retain and store rainfall instead of directly channeling it into the drainage system. This not only benefits the environment but also helps in climate protection and the protection of biodiversity. Soils and vegetation serve as important CO2 storage and habitats for many species.
The House of Sustainability e.V. brought the "unsealing" competition to Giessen and organised two events in the spring to discuss the "sponge city" principle and blue-green infrastructure. The organisation also provides information about the competition and support for unsealing and greening on their website (www.hdn-website/unsealing).
The competition is open to anyone, including associations, schools, private individuals, administrations, and companies. Before planting, the bike racks will be replaced to ensure a seamless transformation of the area.
Inner cities, especially those that are highly sealed, experience more severe effects of climate change such as heat, drought, and heavy rain. By unsealing and greening these areas, we can help mitigate these effects and create a more livable urban environment.
More greenery in cities not only contributes to climate protection and the protection of biodiversity but also creates spaces for community engagement and social interaction. So, let's get our hands dirty and make a difference in our city!
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