The Binding Prize for Biodiversity 2022 goes to Stadtgrün Bern
The theme year "Nature needs the city - more biodiversity in Bern" was awarded CHF 100,000 as an outstanding project for biodiversity in urban areas. With an extraordinary level of commitment and an original mix of measures, those responsible have succeeded in motivating a wide range of actors across social boundaries to increase the natural diversity in the city in the long term.
Out of 22 projects submitted, Stadtgrün Bern’s “Nature needs the city” project won the Binding Prize for Biodiversity, which is endowed with CHF 100,000 and is being awarded for the second time. The project, which was organized as a theme year, was so successful because Stadtgrün Bern and its nature and ecology department came up with a fresh and attractive campaign package
institutions, organizations and people for a common goal – the promotion of biodiversity.
Everyone pitched in
In addition to several municipal authorities, the Natural History Museum, the Bern Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, a wide variety of organizations, but also many private balcony gardeners and garden owners took part. The measures included ecological upgrades in public spaces and private areas as well as over 50 events such as guided tours, exhibitions and concerts.
From knowledge to action for private individuals
Seven city walks with 80 information boards, combined with an interactive city map and supplemented by artistic interventions, showed what valuable urban nature looks like. The "Biodiversity Garden" and "Biodiversity Balcony" campaigns encouraged private individuals to redesign their gardens and balconies. "KlimaBalkon" showed how biodiversity, improvement of the local climate and quality of life are related. A practical handbook provided the necessary background knowledge. "We are delighted to be able to award 'Nature needs the city' to a project that has managed to reach a broad population with a systemic and integral approach," says Peter Lehmann, Vice President of the award jury.
Desealing and ecological upgrading of urban areas
Another important part of the project was upgrading the public space. In Bern West, various asphalt surfaces were broken up and planted with native flora. Among other things, amphibian ponds were built, lawns were upgraded to meadows, wild hedges were planted, borders were left standing and heaps of stones and branches were created in parks and on green strips along roads.
Lasting effect
"Nature needs the city" was an integral and inspiring part of the overarching biodiversity concept of the city of Bern and brought many stakeholders into contact with ideas and partners. The project will therefore have a lasting effect beyond the theme year 2021. The "Berner Biodiversity Handbook" published for the theme year is already considered a standard work with an impact far beyond Bern.
Great joy at the city of Bern
The city of Bern is extremely pleased about the important award. "The award recognizes the great commitment of Stadtgrün Bern for the theme year, which has set a lot in motion for natural diversity in Bern," says Marieke Kruit, municipal councilor and director of civil engineering, transport and urban greenery for the city of Bern.