03.17 HEIMATGRÜN - Essen · INTERVIEW WITH BARBARA HENDRICKS ... DANIEL MÜLLER (THE RUHR AT WERDEN), PHOTO BACKGROUND BY RUPERT OBERHÄUSER PHOTO A CHILDHOOD DREAM ... Heisinger

03.17

The magazine of the EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL – Essen 2017

HEIMATGRÜN

GREEN IN THE CITY Exhibition at Zollverein

INTERVIEW Environment Minister

Barbara Hendricks

GREEN ACTION DAYS Sowing, Harvesting, Eating

BLUE RIVERS, GREEN BANKS

www.deingrueneswunder.dewww.heimatgruen.ruhr

NEW!

HEIMAT GRÜN

Christian Keller from Essen,

former world champion and European champion in swimming,

bronze medallist at the Olympic Games 1996 in Atlanta,

swimming expert for the broadcaster ZDF

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Lake Baldeney has always been a focal point for my life. For 44 years, I have been living in one of the most

wonderful cities in the world: Essen. I have always quite consciously decided against lucrative job offers that would have taken me to other regions of the country. Without a doubt, I would miss my home city there. Essen is the green lungs of the Ruhr Area, and Lake

Baldeney is a local recreation area that plays a particularly big role for me and my family.

In the year of the Green Capital, I am happy and proud that one of my childhood dreams will soon come true: starting at the end of May, it will again be permitted to

swim in Lake Baldeney. My father told me how, as a young man, he jumped from the diving tower

of the Baldeney open-air swimming area into the clean, clear water of the lake. I am all the more delighted

that I will have the honour of being the first to swim in Lake Baldeney at the end of May, as an

ambassador of the Green Capital.

In August last year, I already swam in the Ruhr at Kettwig for a triathlon, and I can assure you, the Ruhr water here in Essen is of an excellent quality. It’s fresh and clear, and it tastes really good. Try it for yourself –

from the end of May at the new swimming spot, the Seaside Beach Baldeney.

I WISH THE GREEN CAPITAL ESSEN A RELAXED SWIMMING SEASON

AND MANY SUNNY DAYS!

PublisherMarkt1 Verlagsgesellschaft mbHMarkt 1 · 45127 EssenPhone +49 (0)[email protected]

Editor in chiefGuido Schweiß-Gerwin

Project office Green Capital EssenMelanie Kemner

EditorsHeike Reinhold, Diana Ringelsiep, Lisa Heinrich, David Schröer

Art directorGesa Braster

Graphic designKatja Müller

Final graphic designSigrid Herffs

AdvertisingBettina WalterPhone +49 (0)[email protected]

PrintWeiss-Druck GmbH & Co. KG

TITLE STORYWATER, THE ELIXIR OF LIFEWith blue rivers and green banks, Essen proves that clean water is still a sign of a high quality of life today. Page 04

GREEN URBAN DEVELOPMENTINTERVIEW WITH BARBARA HENDRICKSThe German Federal Minister for the Environ-ment comes to Essen for the Green in the City convention. We talked to her about the White Paper, and the importance of green infrastructure. Page 10

EXHIBITION AT ZOLLVEREINGreen in the City of Essen. More than Parks and Gardens is the title of an exhibition that explores the development of green areas in the city. Page 12

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A CHILDHOOD DREAM COMES TRUE

AN INITIATIVE OF THEEUROPEAN COMMISSION PUBLIC SPONSORS

CO-SPONSORS

www.essengreen.capital

DER FILM.

Erlebe Dein grünes Wunder

PROJEKTTRÄGER

ÖFFENTLICHE FÖRDERER

PREMIUMSPONSOREN

HAUPTSPONSOREN

CO-SPONSOREN

Von Johannes Kassenberg und Frank Bürgin

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DER FILM.


PROJEKTTRÄGER


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CO-SPONSOREN



PREMIUM SPONSORS


DER FILM.


PROJEKTTRÄGER


PREMIUMSPONSOREN

HAUPTSPONSOREN

CO-SPONSOREN




DER FILM.


PROJEKTTRÄGER


PREMIUMSPONSOREN

HAUPTSPONSOREN

CO-SPONSOREN



PROJECT PROMOTERS MAIN SPONSORS

MY GREENTHE GREEN LUNGS OF THE CITYAs part of the public green spaces, allotments greatly contribute to improving living conditions in Essen. Page 18

MY SHOPPINGHARVESTING IN THE CITYUnder the motto “säen, ernten, Essen” (Sowing, Harvesting, Eating), the Green Capital provides information about urban food production. Page 20

MY FUTUREEDIBLE DAYCARE18 child daycare facilities explore planting and harvesting their own food. Page 22

EDITORIAL Page 03MY CALENDAR Page 17ESSAY Page 30

SPONSORS

Aurelis Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Contilia GmbH, dm-drogerie markt GmbH + Co. KG, Hochtief Aktiengesellschaft, publicity werbung gmbh, Trimet Aluminium SE, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Vivawest Wohnen GmbH

Der Steinkohlenbergbau hat das Ruhrgebiet mehr als 150 Jahre lang geprägt. Wenn Ende 2018 die letzten Bergwer-ke die Förderung einstellen, endet ein Kapitel Industriege-schichte – nicht jedoch die Arbeit der RAG.

Mit ihren Zukunftsthemen wie den Ewigkeitsaufgaben und der Flächenentwicklung bedienen die RAG und ihre Konzerntochter RAG Montan Immobilien auch die zen- tralen Botschaften der Green Capital Essen als Stadt der ehemaligen Montanindustrie. Die Transformation des Bergbaus ist heute beispielgebend für viele Städte Euro-pas im Strukturwandel.

RAG AktiengesellschaftShamrockring 1

44623 HerneInternet: www.rag.de

Aufgaben für die Ewigkeit

Anzeige_Heimatgruen.indd 1 27.04.2017 09:02:53

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T I T L E S T O R Y

Water, the El ixi r of L i fe

BLUE RIVERS, GREEN BANKS

or months, swimming fans in Essen have been eagerly look-ing forward to a sunny day in the second half of May. For many, the opening of the first pilot swimming spot on Lake Baldeney will be a highlight of the Green Capital Essen, and is a feature of the programme that is excitedly anticipated. After more than 40 years, the Ruhr will again be officially approved for swimming, albeit initially only at the Seaside Beach swimming spot. The bathing area is demarcated by buoys, and there will be lifeguard supervision. In addition, toilets and changing rooms will be available for visitors, in order to ensure complete swimming enjoyment.

NEW EARLY WARNING SYSTEMOver recent years, a research project sponsored jointly by the Ruhrverband, the IWW Water Centre and multiple universities has demonstrated that the hygienic water quality at the Seaside Beach on Lake Baldeney is good on dry summer days. In the event of heavy rain, however, the water quality worsens, which requires occasional temporary bans on swimming. Swimming in the Ruhr is now made possible by an early warning system, which predicts fluctuations in the water quality at the Seaside Beach, and which will make up-to-date, daily statements possible. On this basis, the operator will open or close the swimming spot. By comparison: Had this early warning system already been in place during the relatively dry summer of 2015, swimming would have been possible on as many as 50 days.

QUALITY AND PURITY OF WATERThe Ruhr has become progressively cleaner over recent decades. The consistently falling concentration of organic substances, of nitrogen and phosphor, and the improved hy-gienic situation, create the conditions that allow swimming again in the Ruhr. The Ruhrverband and the Association of Waterworks on the Ruhr (AWWR) have been issuing a Ruhr Quality Report each year since 1973, which provides infor-mation about the condition of the water bodies. Stadtwerke Essen AG, the Essen Municipal Utilities, is responsible for

drinking water in Essen. Together

with Gelsenwasser AG, through the joint venture Wasserge-winnung Essen GmbH, it operates the Essen combined wa-terworks, one of the most modern water treatment facilities in Europe. The quality of the water is ensured by means of regular samples from the water catchment plant, and at 80 lo-cations within the Essen municipal area. The results show that Essen’s water is high-quality drinking water, which can be used safely for the preparation of food for babies and children.

NATURA 2000 ZONEGood water quality does not just benefit the human popula-tion: The Heisinger Ruhraue (Heisingen Ruhr Meadows) is a nature reserve of European significance, located in the south of the city. Natura 2000 is the name of an EU-wide network of nature reserves for the preservation of endangered or typi-cal habitats and species. The Natura 2000 Heisinger Ruhraue reserve is the habitat of dragonflies, frogs, cormorants and grey herons. Since 2004, the meadowlands with their wet-land meadows have been under nature conservation. When the Ruhr breaks its banks in the spring and autumn, and parts of the meadowlands are flooded, the area becomes a location for numerous migratory birds to rest and feed. In the summer, a sea of colourful flowers lights up the grassland areas. Countless insects and amphibians find an ideal habi-tat in the Ruhr Meadows. A whole range of hiking trails take nature-lovers through the 150 hectares of the area, >>

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SWIMMING FUN AT LAKE BALDENEY. In May, the swimming season will

open at Seaside Beach Baldeney (left). The Ruhr Meadows (above) are

home to countless native species of plants and animals.

FIn 2017, the Ruhr and Emscher can be seen from a new angle: They are

the blue stripes in the logo of the European Green Capital, accentuating

the green areas between the new Emschertal valley in the north and

the Ruhr Valley in the south. The new swimming spot on Lake

Baldeney and the renaturalisation of several streams in the course of the

Emscher conversion additionally make one thing more than clear:

Clean water is still a sign of a high quality of life today.

TEXT: Heike Reinhold

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T I T L E S T O R YT I T L E S T O R Y

>> leading to various observation points. Particularly popular are excursions into the bird sanctuary known as the Heising-er Bogen, where grey herons and a grebe colony make their homes.

TOURS WITH THE WHITE FLEETFor nature enthusiasts who want to explore the bird sanctu-ary by boat, the Baldeney White Fleet offers tours of the Heisinger Ruhraue on the MS Isenberg. There is space for a total of 16 passengers on the historical ferry from 1955. The ferry takes visitors to an area where only paddle boats and canoes can otherwise go. There they can experience un-touched nature and rare bird species from up close. The Sunrise Photo Safari gives early birds the opportunity to capture the wildlife with their cameras as it is waking up. The tour starts shortly before sunrise, at 5:15 a.m., and leads through the bird sanctuary to Kupferdreh, into the Heising-er Ruhraue, to Überruhr, and up the Ruhr to the restaurant “Zornige Ameise”. “Upon request, the captain of our vessel will make short stops, until all the photographers have got their interesting moments on film,” promises Aleksander Farkas from the Baldeney White Fleet. The dates are 20 May

and 15 July. Those who do not get up that early can enjoy the two-hour tour upriver from the jetty at Kupferdreh to the Zornige Ameise, from June to September, on the first Thursday of every month. The Off to New Shores tour starts on 1 June, 6 July, 3 August and 7 September at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. “The trip on 7 September will be on our new boat, the MS innogy. This is the first vessel in Germany driven by an environmentally friendly methanol fuel cell,” says Aleksander Farkas. The climate-friendly vessel is more manoeuvrable and has a shallower draft than the other pas-senger vessels of the White Fleet, allowing access to a new catchment area further upstream in future. The drive sys-tem uses “green fuel” from the Essen-based energy supplier Innogy. The energy required for the operation of the vessel comes exclusively from regenerative sources. The fuel itself is methanol, a liquid alcohol with extremely high energy density. This is produced directly by Lake Baldeney, in the hydroelectric power plant at the weir. innogy project direc-tor Dr Jens Kanacher explains, “In this globally unique pro-ject, for the first time innogy represents the entire value chain: from the production of the climate-neutral fuel using renewable energies, through to its use in a fuel cell on board a tourist boat. This makes the energy transition tangible for people on location.”More detailed information on the tours and bookings at www.baldeneysee.com

WATERSHED ESSENThe Ruhr is not the only major river in Essen. The city is lo-cated on a ridge of the northwestern foothills of the Ardey Hills. This range of hills represents the watershed or divide between the Ruhr and the Emscher, the borderline between the two neighbouring river systems. Or, to put it differently,

this borderline is what determines whether a drop of water runs into the Ruhr or the Emscher. Britta Balt from the Ruhrverband describes the course the watershed takes in Essen: “It crosses the A40 from north to south in Mül-heim-Heißen, then makes a curve around to the south, and crosses the A52 in Bredeney. From there, it turns north again, and snakes its way past the city centre a little to the south of Kronprinzenstraße. From the Essen-Ost highway junction, it runs almost parallel to the A40 until it reaches the municipal area of Bochum.” And what does that mean for the quantities of water in the Ruhr and Emscher? “Quite simple. Every little drop of water that falls south of the bor-derline flows into the Ruhr. Everything that comes down north of the line goes into the Emscher.”

EMSCHER CONVERSION MULTI-GENERATIONAL PROJECT While it is finally possible to swim in the Ruhr again in this Green Capital year, the Emscher is being converted from an open sewer into a natural river. The Emscher conversion multi-generational project demonstrates how important modern water management infrastructure is in the city. Two thirds of the wastewater in Essen is disposed of via the Em-scher system. In Essen-Karnap and Altenessen, the river was straightened over 100 years ago, and its tributaries,

such as the Berne, Borbecker Mühlenbach and Schwarzbach streams, were turned into concrete-lined open sewers. As a result of coal and steel production, un-treated wastewater was still being dumped into the Em-scher until the 1990s. Since 1992, the public water manage-ment association known as the Emschergenossenschaft has been handling the conversion of the Emscher system. Each water body is being given its own underground sewer, through which wastewater is channelled to the wastewater treatment plants. Throughout the entire Ruhr Area, 400 kilo-metres of new sewers have been laid underground, 45 kilo-metres of it within the Essen municipal area. The streams above ground have thus become free of wastewater, and can then be restructured to a near-natural condition. Where the available space allows, the rivers that were once techni-cally straightened are once again being allowed a meander-ing course. “A new river landscape is thus being created throughout the entire metropolitan region, over a length of 350 kilometres. We are giving a huge chunk of nature back to the population, right in the middle of the Ruhr Area,” em-phasises the chairman of the Emschergenossenschaft man-agement board, Dr Uli Paetzel. Part of the work in Essen has already been completed. The upper section of the Borbecker Mühlenbach has been cleared of wastewater and restored to a near-natural condition, >>

THE NATURA 2000 HEISINGER RUHRAUE is a nature reserve of international importance (left). It is explored by the MS innogy (right).

PURE NATURE at the renaturalised Borbecker

Mühlenbach (left). Sewer construction work as

part of the Emscher conversion (above).

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W A T E R L E V E L R E P O R T SSTREAM IMAGE AS A LIMITED-EDITION STAMP The girls and boys at the primary school on Viktoriastraße in Katernberg already have an idea of what the renaturalised riv-er landscape of the Emscher will look like one day. In cooper-ation with the Emschergenossenschaft and the Green Capital Project Offi ce, the schoolchildren engaged artistically with the neighbouring stream, Katernberger Bach. Under the title Colourful Waterways in the Green Capital, 17 imaginative works of art were produced. The work of eleven-year-old Jamila Mazouz – a meandering stream in a green landscape – will even adorn a limited-edition stamp, which is intended to be awarded at special occasions, or given as a gift. While the stamp will be produced in a run of just 200, all 17 of the children’s pictures will be produced as postcards, and made available to a wider audience.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS ON “MY RIVERS” My Rivers will be the subject of a discussion panel on 13 July in the Kreuzeskirche church. The fi ve aspects of life in the European Green Capital – Essen 2017 (My Green, My Future, My Water, My Shopping, and My Paths) are the topics of differ-ent panel discussions. Experts from science, business, cul-ture and history engage in conversation with Essen-based initiatives and members of the public. The resultant discus-sions are moderated by TV weatherman Sven Plöger, and are intended to motivate sustainable thinking and action. In each case, a lecture introduces the subject for the evening. A variety of musical interludes will help to ensure a relaxed atmosphere.

CRIME THRILLER ON CLIMATE CHANGE The project “Klima-Krimi” (Climate Crime Thriller) is a lit-erary confrontation with climate change and the increas-ing threat of fl ooding. In this youth literature project, under the patronage of Friedrich-Bödecker Association in cooper-ation with Zeche Carl cultural centre and the Emschergenos-senschaft, young people from the Emscher region are jointly writing a novel. During the writing process, which took place in November and December 2016, and in February and March 2017, the up-and-coming authors engaged creatively with the threat of fl ooding in the Emscher area. Professional ex-cursions to facilities in the fi elds of energy, climate protec-tion and water management laid the groundwork. The young people in the group then developed ideas for the literary ad-aptation of the topics. They were supported in this process by professional authors, experts from the Emschergenossen-schaft, and qualifi ed teachers.

The volume from the series “FlussLandStadt. Eure Heimat – euer Roman” (RiverCountryCity. Your Home – Your Novel) will be presented as part of Green Capital Week on 18 June at Zeche Carl cultural centre.

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>> the mid-section of the Läppkes Mühlenbach at the city limits of Oberhausen, and the Kesselbach in Nachtigallental have likewise been renaturalised. Since 2016, the Schuren-bach has been splashing along its new bed at the foot of the spoil tip of the same name, too. The wastewater may still be running above ground at the Katernberger Bach, it should however be banished to a new underground sewer within the next couple of years. As with the neighbouring Schwarzbach, the construction work there is running under full power this year. The renaturalisation of the Berne is now also getting close to the fi nish line. The sewer construc-tion work began there at the start of 2016, meaning that wastewater will soon be running underground, and the clean water will fl ow through the river landscape.

WAITING FOR THE RIVERThe waiting time until the completion of the new Emscher-tal valley will be further shortened this summer by the bridge sculpture Waiting for the River. Following its sev-en-year journey along the Emscher, this popular favourite from the Emscherkunst international art exhibition will be returning from 4 June until 3 September, to once again stand at the location where it was fi rst installed in the Euro-pean Capital of Culture Year 2010: between the Schuren-bach Tip and the Nordsternpark on the Emscher Island in Essen. Until the New Emscher Valley becomes a reality in the year 2020, the bridge and its indoor spaces will serve to facilitate “productive waiting”. The 34-metre installation is open daily, except Mondays, from 11 am to 6 pm. It is also possible for interested persons to book a night on the zigzag bridge. The three pavilions offer spaces for eight people to sleep. Furthermore, the Rotterdam-based group of artists

known as Observatorium will surprise visitors with a bridge-themed programme. A documentary exhibition about the journey of the bridge sculpture can be found in-side the artwork. In a series of lectures entitled “Wissens-bisse” (Knowledge (Re)Morsels), experts examine the Em-scher Island in a new light. Tours explore the geology, insiders’ tips, and green spaces between Zollverein and the Emscher. In addition, there will be a poetry reading, an art exhibition, drawing courses, and pop-up concerts as part of the Ruhrtriennale. www.wartenaufdenfl uss.de

NEW WAYS TO THE WATERBuilding on the overarching concept of the Emscher conver-sion, Essen has seized an opportunity for urban and open space development with its programme, ESSEN.New Ways to the Water. The objective is to link together the green are-as and parks with a green path network. The action plan comprises more than 200 individual projects, and is intend-ed to link the south and the north of the city, thus making it possible for the people to experience these. “The project aims to strengthen Essen as a central location in the region, and to increase the attractiveness of the city. Furthermore, the image of the city as a residential and business location will be improved, and the value of entire residential dis-tricts will increase,” promises Essen’s Councillor for the En-vironment and Construction Simone Raskob. Under the motto Open Space creates City Space, together with the landscape architect Andreas Kipar, the city is developing and testing an integrated urban concept for the networking and development of the green and open space infrastruc-ture in Essen. Water plays a very special role here: water-

courses within the city serve as imaginary linking lines. One of the new link routes, for example, is the Berne Route, which runs for just under nine kilometres from the north of the city centre to the city limits of Bottrop, where it fi nally terminates at the mouth of the Berne by the newly designed Berne Park. However, it is only in combination with the green areas that the water displays its full appeal. “The city will be criss-crossed by belts of green power. Developing these is the objective of the programme,” explains Raskob as she describes the project, the strength of which lies in the collaboration between the City and the Emschergenossen-schaft, municipal utilities, the local housing industry, the Es-sen economic development agency EWG, and further pri-vate and public persons and institutions. The use of the workforce is also sustainable: all work is submitted to the la-bour market as a municipal, labour market policy project for the employment, qualifi cation and integration of unemployed persons into the labour market.

T I T L E S T O R Y T I T L E S T O R Y

WAITING FOR THE RIVER. The

bridge sculpture between the

Schurenbach tip and the Nord-

sternpark (North Star Park) offers

spaces for eight people to sleep.

COLOURFUL WATERWAYS were painted by the girls and boys

at the primary school on Viktoriastraße in Katernberg.

g r e e n a p e s . c o m

T I P F R O M T H E G R E E N A P E S

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT A RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM? That way you get a whole lot of free water

for watering your plants.

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When the title of “European Green Capital 2017” went to Essen, many peo-ple were amazed. Why do you think the city has more than earned this title? The city of Essen and the entire region have experienced an enormous trans-formation over recent decades. Essen used to be associated with coal and steel, and thus with black dust, thick air, and polluted rivers. Today I immedi-ately think of the fact that Essen is one of the greenest cities in Germany, and that it offers its population attractive residential surroundings with high lei-sure value.

Which ones do you consider the out-standing projects of the Green Capital 2017?Both the large projects and the small ones contribute in equal measure to the success of this European Green Capital year. The opening ceremony, in which I was able to participate, was a brilliant start, of course. But it’s the local citi-

zens’ projects, the diverse events and exhibitions, that invite not only the resi-dents of Essen, but also out-of-town visi-tors to participate and get involved, and these are the projects that fi ll the Green Capital 2017 with life. Just as important are technical conventions and confer-ences, where the specialists can meet and exchange ideas. The Federal Gov-ernment is very happy to support these activities, which by the way it is subsi-dising with a total of four million euros.

On 8 May, as part of the Federal Con-ference on Green in the City, you will be presenting the White Paper on Ur-ban Green Spaces in the Essen Colos-seum. What kind of recommenda-tions for action does the White Paper contain, and what do you hope to achieve through future dialogue?The White Paper contains specifi c measures of the Federal Government in ten fi elds of activity, for securing and categorising green areas and open spaces. The Federal Govern-ment has thus created a work sched-ule for itself over the coming years. With the aid of these specifi c meas-ures, the Federal Government intends to contribute to green, liveable, envi-ronmentally friendly and resilient cit-ies. The Federal Government cannot do this alone, however. To achieve that, we need the support of the Fed-eral States, of municipal administra-tions, of associations, societies and foundations, of the scientifi c commu-

Living in the GREEN CITY nity and companies, and of the citi-zens. We need to understand urban green spaces as a task of the commu-nity. To achieve this, regular transfer of knowledge and dialogue are impor-tant. We will therefore initiate a dia-logue forum, which will meet annual-ly to share information.

What is the fundamental importance of “green infrastructure” in urban spaces?The term “green infrastructure” is based on the recognition that nature performs services to society as a whole, which are comparable to those of technical and social infrastructure. As a network of near-natural areas, green infrastructure should secure and improve the environment for peo-ple. In the urban sector, this means the promotion of health and well-being, social cohesion and participation, bio-diversity and the opportunity to expe-rience nature, climate change adapta-tion and resilience, sustainable economic development, and re-source-saving urban development. Ur-ban green infrastructure strengthens the appearance, location quality, and identity of cities. Green cities are livea-ble and attractive cities.

What does your vision for the green city of the future look like?Urban green spaces are an important component in a wide range of topics for the cities of tomorrow. In my view,

there is no single patented recipe for a future-proof city. This is because every city, every municipality, needs to in-vestigate for itself what measures are required in order to remain, or to be-come, a liveable green city or munici-pality. In any case, it is important that the cities have green areas and open spaces in their residential surround-ings, and that these can be reached on foot. This is very important, in particu-lar for persons with limited mobility. In the green city of the future, however, an important role will also be played by green architecture, the planting of rooftops and façades, and the renatura-tion of redundant transport infrastruc-ture and roads. With our White Paper, we intend to provide impulses and sup-port for this process.

As part of the Federal Conference Green in the City, Dr Barbara Hendricks will be our guest in Essen on 8 and 9 May, and will present the White Paper

on Urban Green Spaces. In an interview, the German Federal Minister for the Environment talks about the importance of green infrastructure,

and her vision for the green city of the future.

INTERVIEW: Heike Reinhold

FEDERAL CONFERENCE “GREEN IN THE CITY”On 8 and 9 May, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Build-ing and Nuclear Safety will be holding the second Federal conference Green in the City – For a Liveable Future in the Colosseum Theater Essen. During the event, Federal Min-ister Dr Barbara Hendricks will be presenting the White Paper on Urban Green Spaces. The topics and content of the White Paper will be discussed with representatives of political bodies and industry, civic groups, businesses and science, as well as stake-holders from other European countries. The conference programme will be supple-mented by excursions. The White Paper is the result of a large-scale dialogue process over the course of a number of years, regarding the signifi cance of urban green in-frastructure, which was initiated by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety. It contains central fi elds of activity and measures for securing and categorising green areas and open spaces, which the Fed-eral Government will be monitoring over the coming years. www.gruen-in-der-stadt.de

G R E E N U R B A N D E V E L O P M E N T G R E E N U R B A N D E V E L O P M E N T



A GREEN ENVIRONMENT HAS A CALMING EFFECT

ON YOUR BODY AND MIND!

Let’s keep the green areas of the city clean, and use the newly designed

rubbish bins with their amusing slogans.

GREEN IN THE CITY. The university district in Essen (left), the Krupp Park (centre), and the Niederfeld Lake are successful examples of green design in the city.

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JOURNEY THROUGH TIME INTO THE GREEN

Museum director Professor Heinrich Theodor Grüttergreets me in the depot of the Ruhr Museum at Zollverein World Heritage Site, because the ex-

hibition is not yet open. Based on a number of exhibits, he gives me a fi rst insight into 150 years of the city’s green his-tory. “Precisely because Essen used to be the largest min-ing city in Europe and massively disrupted its environment over many years, it was necessary for the administration and

ESSEN TAKES A DEEP BREATHAs early as the mid-19th century, the city fathers recog-nised the urgent need for green lungs in the centre of the city, and created the Stadtgarten park, the fi rst city park in the region that was open to the public. “The idea was to create a healthy leisure area to counterbalance the intoler-able dust and dirt from the countless chimneys that, at the time, rose into the soot-fi lled sky over the north of the city,” explains the museum director, reaching for a histori-cal postcard from the year 1912. It shows the Saalbau build-ing in the Steele Stadtgarten park, in the midst of a fl ower-ing meadow. “Through its many incorporations of surrounding towns, Essen today has half a dozen Stadtgar-ten parks, which are located in the city districts that used to be independent towns.”

NEW HABITATSAn unconventional type of park was created in the course of the mine closures, on the vast open spaces for which no utilisation plans initially existed. “In the shadow of the mine shaft towers and blast furnaces, there settled a wide range of plants and animals that had long since disap-peared, including rare species,” reports Grütter, passing me a dried plant with yellow fl owers, pressed between two plates of glass. “This is the narrow-leaved ragwort. It origi-nally comes from South Africa, and probably came to the Ruhr Area as a stowaway on trucks or freight trains,” ex-plains the expert. On the barren earth of abandoned facto-ry premises, the plant found a suitable niche in which to spread.

STROLL IN THE PARK IN HALL 5Especially for the exhibition, Hall 5 at Zollverein will be laid out with turf, so that the visitors will experience the show as a stroll in the park. “We have brought a wide variety of ex-hibits from the city to the World Heritage Site, in order to present the green history compellingly,” says the museum director, and leads me into the back of the depot, where a historical rowboat from Lake Baldeney stands beside a coach from the Schlosspark Borbeck, and a locomotive from the railway line in the Gruga Park. “The lamp posts you see here are originally from the Hügelpark, and will likewise be set up in the exhibition,” he explains, leading me back to the table. “In addition, authentic plan sketches and documents trace the green space planning from 1920 to the present. Air pollution, poisoned rivers and soil, and the con-sequences of hard work necessitated a rethink at the start of the 20th century,” emphasises Grütter, positioning himself in front of a map of the green area system in Essen, dating from 1927. “As early as 1923, Robert Schmidt, then the direc-tor of the Ruhr Coal District Association, began to plan region-al green belts in the Ruhr Area, in order to secure open spac-es.” Alongside historical records of the Essen green area system, the exhibition also explores the current plans of the project ESSEN.New Ways to the Water (see page 8).

The exhibition in Hall 5 of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein extends over 1,000 square metres, and will be shown from 21 May until 27 August 2017. It was created

jointly by the Project Offi ce of the European Green Capital – Essen 2017, the Zollverein Foundation, and the Ruhr Museum, and subsidised by the Ministry of the Environ-

ment for North Rhine-Westphalia. The ad-mission fee to the exhibition will be determined by

the visitors themselves, on the “pay what you want” principle. www.ruhrmuseum.de

On the occasion of Essen’s title as European Green Capital, in the summer 2017, the Ruhr Museum will be presenting a comprehensive exhibition on

the subject of Green in the City of Essen. More than Parks and Gardens.

TEXT: David Schröer

STUFFED ANIMAL

Red fox (vulpes vulpes)

Green area system in the Essen area, 1927.

”THE IDEA WAS TO CREATE A HEALTHY LEISURE AREA TO

COUNTERBALANCE THE INTOLERABLE DUST AND DIRT

FROM THE COUNTLESS CHIMNEYS.”

Professor Heinrich Theodor Grütter

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the citizens to develop a lot of green ideas. This is why today Essen is the fi rst former industrial city to bear the title of Eu-ropean Green Capital,” explains Grütter at the start of our dis-covery tour. On a long table between heavy archive cabinets and mobile shelves, a range of maps, photographs, dried and pressed plants, and stuffed animals are spread out. Starting on 21 May, these exhibits will be on display in the exhibition Green in the City of Essen. More than Parks and Gardens.

OASES IN THE CITYThe relationship between the City of Essen and nature is heav-ily infl uenced by industrialisation. The production of iron and steel products polluted the soil, air and water. At the same time, the chimneys and mine shaft towers promised work for hundreds of thousands – population numbers along the Ruhr multiplied many times in the space of a few decades, and the cities grew rapidly. “Low wages led to poverty and food short-ages in families with many children, as a result of which the City of Essen created the Ruhr Area’s fi rst allotment facilities in the year 1895, so that it should be possible for the people to feed themselves,” explains the historian, pointing at two pho-tographs with a fi nger clad in thin, white cotton gloves. These pictures clearly show the development of the allotment from a garden for the poor, which was essential to their very surviv-al, to an oasis of well-being and sense of identity (see also page 18). What the colour photo shows as a contemporary urban idyll bears witness in the black-and-white image to the fi ght for survival of working families in the 1890s.

peared, including rare species,” reports Grütter, passing me a dried plant with yellow fl owers, pressed between two plates of glass. “This is the narrow-leaved ragwort. It origi-nally comes from South Africa, and probably came to the Ruhr Area as a stowaway on trucks or freight trains,” ex-plains the expert. On the barren earth of abandoned facto-ry premises, the plant found a suitable niche in which to spread.

sequences of hard work necessitated a rethink at the start of the 20th century,” emphasises Grütter, positioning himself in front of a map of the green area system in Essen, dating from 1927. “As early as 1923, Robert Schmidt, then the direc-tor of the Ruhr Coal District Association, began to plan region-al green belts in the Ruhr Area, in order to secure open spac-es.” Alongside historical records of the Essen green area system, the exhibition also explores the current plans of the project ESSEN.New Ways to the Water (see page 8).

The exhibition in Hall 5 of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein extends over 1,000 square metres, and will be shown from 21 May until 27 August 2017

jointly by the Project Offi ce of the European Green Capital – Essen 2017, the Zollverein Foundation, and the Ruhr Museum, and subsidised by the Ministry of the Environ-

ment for North Rhine-Westphalia. The ad-mission fee to the exhibition will be determined by

the visitors themselves, on the “pay what you want”

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GEO NATURE DAY 2017

PURE NATURE IN THE VOLKSGARTEN

The GEO-Tag der Natur (GEO Nature Day) is all about species diversity and will be organised by NABU (the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union)

and the magazine GEO on 17 and 18 June on the grounds of Zollverein.

What is it that actually blooms and flourishes in our cities and conurbations? And how can we positively influence species diversity in our immediate environment? The GEO Nature Day on 17 and 18 June at the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site explores this and other questions. On Saturday, experts and young researchers make it their task to document precisely, within 24 hours, what animal, plant and fungus species can be found in the survey areas at Zollverein and in the Essen municipal area. Especially in or-der to track down the nocturnal residents of the area, a “night shift” is being set up, allowing nature enthusiasts young and old to go on a tour of discovery. A number of lec-tures in the evening rounds off the day.

The Sunday is entirely dedicated to nature-loving families. Explorers of all ages can discover the grounds from 10 a.m. to

4 p.m., and learn a lot of interesting facts about the native na-ture. This will include experts in beetles, snails and grasshop-pers presenting the astonishing diversity of their respective species groups. Butterfly, moss and lichen researchers will reveal the beauty of animals and plants. “The whole idea is to experience nature up close,” explains Josef Tumbrinck, Chairman of NABU for North Rhine-Westphalia, referring to the enormous diversity of plants and animals on the Zollvere-in grounds. Interested visitors can use this day to try their hand at building nesting boxes, learn about opportunities for experiencing nature in North Rhine-Westphalia, attend herb workshops, watch the experts at work identifying species in the research camp, and visit the free exhibition at the Ruhr Museum, Green in the City of Essen. More than Parks and Gardens (see also page 10/11). www.nrw.nabu.de

What fruits do beech trees bear? When do birch trees blossom? How big do chestnuts get? Nature-lovers can find answers to these and other questions on the Tree Learning Path in the Kray Volksgarten park. During walks, they can experience up close how the trees transform with the changing seasons. Signboards also provide information about the characteristics and special features of the trees. In 2014, storm “Ela” devas-tated the Tree Learning Path, as a result of which the Volksgarten Nature Conservation Association has been working to repair the damage to this day. The reopening of the Tree Learning Path will take place on 24 June, as part of the Nature Days in the Volks-garten park. The programme of the festivities on 24 and 25 June furthermore includes additional activities in which visitors can build nesting boxes, for example, or watch an exciting display with birds of prey. Under the motto Nature, Animals and Us, visitors to the Nature Days will learn interesting facts about active environmental protection, e.g. at the stands of the nature conservation and environmental protection associa-tions. Explorers young and old will have the opportunity to research spiders, insects and various plants. Entry to the Nature Days is free of charge. www.naturschutzverein-volksgarten.de

M Y G R E E N

H omeowners can generate their own clean electricity by install-ing a solar power system. Every

kilowatt hour (kWh) they use them-selves then reduces their electricity bill, so covering as much of the house-hold energy requirements as possible with home-generated solar power means they save more money, oper-ate the system more economically and actively protect the environment.

In order to achieve a high share of so-lar consumption, the energy should

be used when the sun is high in the sky. But often, no one is home during the day. Compact battery storage sys-tems specially designed for home use are therefore an essential component for the efficient use of solar power, which they can store for use in the late evening or early morning. The sun can then shine around the clock.

Under the slogan “Let the sunshine in”, innogy now offers solar power systems with a “perfectly simple guar-antee”: for as little as €4,790, home-

owners receive a solar package that includes advice and planning, installa-tion, system monitoring, and insur-ance protection for five years. All solar power systems can be combined upon installation or later with a custom battery storage unit from Mercedes-Benz and the innogy SmartHome home automation sys-tem.

With all components in place, up to 70 percent of the solar power gener-ated can be used in the household. When the sun comes out, the smart energy management solution auto-matically switches on the battery stor-age, dishwasher, washing machine or pond pump – or even charges an elec-tric car hooked up to the system’s innogy charging box. This makes energy management convenient and easy to use, and the system can also be monitored and adjusted while on the go using a smartphone app – so the customer has everything under control at all times.

Rooftop solar power for household useSun around the clock:

Installing solar panels on the roof is especially worthwhile if the power generated covers a large portion of the household’s own electricity consumption. Smart energy management and battery storage can help make this possible.

For more information, go to innogy.com/lassdiesonnerein

Solar panels on the roof generate clean power from the sun’s energy. This is even more worthwhile when as much of the power as possible is used in the household: intelligent energy management with innogy SmartHome and battery storage allows for household consumption of up to 70 percent.

The electric car is always charged when it’s parked at home and solar power is being generated in abundance or the battery storage unit is full: bringing sun directly from roof to street.

“Let the sunshine in”: with innogy, getting set up with a photovoltaic system

is easy and inexpensive.

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EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS & MORE

1 May to 31 AugustMOVEMENT & HEALTH

Cycling to workIndividual starting points

6 and 7 May 2017 TRADE FAIRfairgoods

UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein

8 and 9 May 2017CONFERENCE & CONVENTION

Green in the City – For a Liveable Future

Colosseum Theater Essen

11 May 2017 PRESENTATION & EXHIBITION

Kreuzeskirche panel discussions – My Shopping

Kreuzeskirche

12 and 13 May 2017 CONFERENCE & CONVENTION

Artisan Days in EssenKreishandwerkerschaft Essen

14 May 2017 NATURE & NUTRITION,

CULTURE & FESTIVITIESSowing, Harvesting, Eating

various locations in Essen

15 and 16 May 2017 CONFERENCE & CONVENTION

Municipal Woodland – Respon-sibility for (Urban) Climate

InterCityHotel Essen

18 May 2017NATURE & NUTRITION12 Months, 12 Chefs

Restaurant Tablo

20 May to 9 June 2017MOVEMENT & HEALTH

City CyclingIndividual starting points

second half of May 2017 MOVEMENT & HEALTHOpening of Swimming

in the Ruhr Seaside Beach Baldeney

21 May to 27 August 2017 PRESENTATION & EXHIBITION

Green in the City of Essen. More than Parks and Gardens


1 June 2017WORKSHOP & GET INVOLVED

European Waste and Sustainability Day – Dechets et durabilité

Adult education centre Essen

1 June to 16 June 2017Opening on 30 May 2017

EXHIBITIONMake it Simple!

Freiraum Weberplatz

3 June 2017MOVEMENT & HEALTH

Cycling Experience DayStarting from Kennedyplatz

9 JuneMOVEMENT & HEALTH

Night CyclingStarting from Willy-Brandt-Platz

9 to 11 June 2017CONFERENCE & CONVENTION

fairventure conferenceAdult education centre Essen

from 12 June 2017 (4 DATES)

WORKSHOP & GET INVOLVED, NATURE & NUTRITION

Climate-friendly CookingCatholic Family Education

Centre Essen

13 June 2017 CONFERENCE & CONVENTION

Charging Electric VehiclesHaus der Technik Essen

17 June to 15 July 2017 PRESENTATION & EXHIBITIONExhibition Bright Prospects

Central Library

17 and 18 June 2017 NATURE & NUTRITION,

CULTURE & FESTIVITIESGEO Nature Day


22 June 2017NATURE & NUTRITION12 Months, 12 Chefs

Restaurant lecker werden

24 June 2017CULTURE & FESTIVITIES

ExtraSchicht – The Night of Industrial Culture

Various locations in Essen and in the entire Ruhr Metropolis

24 June 2017 CULTURE & FESTIVITIES

Opening of the Tree Learning Path

Kray Volksgarten Park

24 and 25 June 2017 NATURE & NUTRITION,

CULTURE & FESTIVITIESNature days in

Kray Volksgarten Park

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Essen is the first coal and steel city to win the title of European Green Capital. During a two-hour sightseeing

tour in a specially decorated double-decker bus, participants learn how Essen accomplished its transforma-tion from a coal and steel city into the greenest metropolis in North Rhine-Westphalia. The development of the city is illustrated along the way using specific examples. Always

in focus are the twelve criteria on which Essen was selected as European Green Capital. You can get on board from May to October ever Thursday, Friday and Saturday,

at 11 a.m. at the Central Station/Tourism Centre stop. More information online.

www.ruhrgebiet-stadtrundfahrten.de

Find the complete programme at www.deingrueneswunder.de

www.facebook.com/ gruene.hauptstadt.essen

www.instagram.com/gruene_hauptstadt_essen

www.twitter.com/GreenCapital17

Now available in the App Store:Your Green Essen Heimatgrün TV

M Y R E T R O S P E C T I V E

LIKE! The European Green Capital – Essen 2017 can also be found on the social networks. Whether it’s event tips or insider

information – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are always up-to-date. Simply follow these channels, subscribe to the newsletter,

and never miss anything again! www.essengreen.capital/newsletter

CONSTRUCTION SITE

CYCLE TOUR with Essen’s

Councillor for the Envi-

ronment Simone Raskob,

North Rhine-Westphalian

Minister for the Environ-

ment Johannes Remmel

and Councillor Rolf Fliß

(above).

SIX AUTOBAHN SIGNS and

39 city entrance signs identify

Essen as European Green

Capital (above).

FOOTBALL LEGEND

Otto Rehhagel has

sponsored the ama-

teur football field in

the Stadtgarten park

as part of the RWE

social project Essen

Opportunities (left).

IN FULL BLOOM. ‘Grün und

Gruga’ has planted over 325,000

flower bulbs in the city, including

in the Stadtgarten park (above).

ESSEN SHOWED ITS GREEN SIDE IN

BERLIN at the end of March, in the State

representation of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Alongside an exhibition, there was a

high-profile discussion panel (above).

CLEVER SLOGANS were created by citizens for 3,000 rubbish

bins of the Essen waste disposal companies (above).

THE GREEN CAPITAL PICKS UP SPEEDThis spring in Essen, trees are planted, construction sites are visited by bicycle,

amateur football fields are set up, and rubbish bins are adorned with clever slogans.

AN ENVIRONMENTAL NEWSPAPER for children is

proudly presented to Councillor for the Environ-

ment and Construction Simone Raskob by the

girls and boys of the Viktoria-School (above).

IN THE HEISINGER RUHRAUE nature reserve,

schoolchildren will plant up to 750 trees by the

summer. This activity is a part of the One Tree

per Child initiative (below).

G R E E N C A P I T A L L I N E

ESSEN CITY SIGHTSEEING TOURS

TRIAL TOUR Dieter Groppe, EMG - Essen Marketing GmbH, Stefan Tigges,

Ruhr Area City Sightseeing Tours, Simone Raskob, City of Essen Councillor

for the Environment and Construction and project director of European Green

Capital – Essen 2017, and Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen (from left).

1918 03.201703.2017

M Y G R E E N

THE “GREEN LUNGS” OF THE CITY

A llotments have a long tradition in the Ruhr Area. For over 100 years, residents of Essen have been go-ing to their green plots. Provided by the collieries

and steel companies back then, families came together in the gardens to get out of the city for a few hours and catch their breath. That has not changed to this day. While the fo-cus during times of food shortage in the 1930s was on peo-ple growing their own fruit and vegetables, after the Second World War the focus increasingly shifted to the leisure as-pect. The desire to go somewhere green was continuous-ly growing amongst people living in blocks of flats. As time went on, more allotments were therefore added on munic-ipal ground. Particularly in the course of the programme Revegetation for the North of Essen, numerous new allot-ments were created in the mid-1970s, in order to satisfy the desire of Essen’s residents for green spaces that they could use privately. “The allotments have developed to become green lungs of our city over the years, and this is now indis-pensable for the people in the metropolitan area,” explains Holger Lemke, Chairman of the Municipal Association of Essen’s Allotment Holders.

MASTERING THE CHALLENGESThe Association has already been representing the inter-ests of the city’s gardening enthusiasts since 1919, and for three years now has been supported in the process by Klaus-Peter Koglin, who was born and raised in Steele. Af-ter about 40 years in Essen’s municipal real estate indus-try, the management executive of the Municipal Associa-tion can look back on numerous restructurings in the city. “For a long time I worked in the field of city district renova-tion, and during the construction of the underground sta-tion in Altenessen, I had to arrange extensive resettlement measures.” The association can now benefit from this ur-ban planning experience. After the allotment boom in the 1970s, the abandonment of industrial locations brought not only high unemployment, but also problems for the allot-ment sector: the successor companies of the collieries be-gan selling off their allotments. The very existence of many facilities was threatened. The attempt to save them through building development planning failed in many

places when soil pollution was detected. In 1990, the asso-ciation took matters into its own hands, and founded Klein-gartengrund und -boden GmbH (Allotment Land and Prop-erty Ltd.). With the contributions paid in by the allotment holders, the charitable company bought up the threatened plots of land, thus securing their existence.

LEARNING IN THE OPEN AIRToday there are 110 allotment associations in Essen, with around 9,000 members. “The allotments continue to make a major contribution to quality of life in Essen,” emphasis-es Koglin. “In around 8,500 cultivated parcels of land, the hobby gardeners grow their own fruit and vegetables, and enjoy the opportunity to spend their leisure time in green surroundings close to their homes.” There is no specific target group. “Around 40 different nations come together in Essen’s allotments,” says Klaus Wiemer, member of the board at the Association. “The gardens are a multicultural meeting point for young and old.” North Rhine-Westphalia is the only German state in which subsidies for allotments are anchored in the State constitution. The Association is aware of the associated social responsibility. In addition to improving quality of life in the major cities, it has therefore also signed up to the protection of the environment and the retention of species diversity. And this starts in child-hood already. In 2013, the first school garden was therefore created in the Lunemannsiepen allotment facility in Es-sen-Kray. Over an area of 400 square metres, girls and boys from the surrounding nurseries and child daycare fa-cilities can therefore sow, garden and harvest throughout the year. The little ones thus develop a positive relation-ship with nature at an early stage.

FULL PROGRAMME IN GREEN SURROUNDINGSIn cooperation with a housing community, Franz Sales Wohnen GmbH in Essen-Kray, which serves and supports people with mental disabilities, the first “garden of inclu-

sion” in Essen is being created in the allotment facility on the other side of the road. In the 430 square metres of the garden plot, the residents of the housing community can pursue practical activity in the fresh air, and increase their self-confidence through a sense of achievement. “The pro-ject will be presented on 30 June, in the course of the Green Capital,” Klaus Wiemer tells us. “And other school gardens are also already being projected.” In the course of the European Green Capital – Essen 2017, events with vari-ous gardening associations are planned, and all Essen resi-dents are invited. The programme extends from various open days to a stroll through the garden facilities. “I hope that the population realises in this Green Capital year how liveable our city really is,” reflects Klaus-Peter Koglin. “Many visitors still expect smoking chimneys when they come to Essen, but the grey times are over. It is time that people knew this even outside the city limits.” www.kleingaerten-essen.de

As part of the public green spaces, allotments greatly contribute to improving living conditions in the city. As early as the beginning of the 20th century,

these facilities offered urban residents indispensable open spaces, and the opportunity to spend their leisure time in green surroundings.

TEXT: Diana Ringelsiep

13/14 May Green Garden Table GBV Essen-Steele-Mitte e. V. and GBV Essen-Kray e. V.

30 June School and Garden of Inclusion GBV Essen-Kray e. V.

DA

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8/9 July Garden Tour and Petting Zoo GBV Essen-Altendorf e. V.

1 October Garden Open Day GBV Essen-Altstadt-Nord e. V.

3 October Strolling through the Gardens of District VII GBV Essen-Steele-Mitte e. V.

SCHOOL GARDEN IN ESSEN-KRAY. The children follow the growth of the veg-

etables and plants in the cultivated areas through all the growing seasons.

RECREATION AREA. For over 100 years, Essen’s residents have been fleeing

the city to spend time in their plots of greenery.

COMBINED EFFORTS. The little gardeners’ sense of joy and awareness to-

wards nature and the environment are promoted in the fresh air.

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M Y S H O P P I N GM Y S H O P P I N G

In the natural rhythm of the seasons, the European Green Capital – Essen 2017 provides information about urban food production on three action days under

the motto “säen, ernten, Essen” (Sowing, Harvesting, Eating).


HARVESTING in the City DINGERKUS GARDEN HOUSE

W hat is actually growing in our gardens, and when is which vegetable in season? At the “säen, ernt-en, Essen” (Sowing, Harvesting, Eating) events in

Spring, Summer and Autumn 2017, it’s all about the local pro-duction of food. This is because locally produced food is not just more sustainable, it even tastes better. Alongside al-lotments and community gardens, agricultural companies, farm shops and other producers located in Essen will pres-ent their work, in order to give the visitors interesting in-sights into local food production. The first of a total of three action days will be held on 14 May. On this day, the partic-ipating locations will be connected with one another us-ing specially designed cycle routes and the green path net-work of the city. The result is a huge open day for the entire family.

GUIDED BICYCLE TOURS“On this day, there will be a total of 20 free bicycle tours guided by volunteers, each of which will link together three or four participating locations,” explains Jessica Lehmann, responsible project manager within the Green Capital team. “In addition, the German Cyclist’s Associa-tion will be holding a 30-kilometre circular cycling tour, with stops at numerous green locations around the city.” Those who would rather go cycling at their own pace can download the maps or GPX data from the internet in ad-

vance, and pedal off without a fixed schedule. At work-shops and events in the gardens and agricultural facili-ties, citizens can also learn about “sowing and gardening”, and share their experience. The range of activities ex-tends from tours of the listed Dingerkus Garden House in Werden, to visiting the rolling chicken coop at the Mühlenbergshof farm, which is already familiar to some from the official film of the European Green Capital – Es-sen 2017.

GREEN LOCATIONS IN THE CITYThe programme also has a number of sustainable diet tips for everyday life. “On 14 May in the Mediation Garden on Frankenstraße, visitors will be able to explore not only their senses, but also learn a number of things from the nutrition experts present,” explains Lehmann. “The same will be true in the community gardens, where one of the topics will be native superfoods.” The rooftop garden on Michaelstraße also promises to be a highlight. This garden above the roofs of the city centre is not normally open to the public, but as part of the “säen, ernten, Essen” (Sowing, Harvesting, Eat-ing) event series, the family will be making an exception and allowing access to their rooftop garden, where fruit and even trees can be found. Further action days will follow on 9 July and on 1 October. www.essengreen.capital/saeen-ernten-essen

The late-Baroque Dingerkus Garden House in Essen-Werden is a gem of bourgeois garden culture. Around 1790, law office director Johann Everhard Dingerkus had the garden house built outside the gates of the city. When the weather was sun-ny, the family met there between apple, pear and plum trees, and watched the coal boats sailing by along the Ruhr. In the year of the European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010, residents of Werden awoke this enchanted place from its long slumber. Alongside Borbeck Schlosspark, this is one of the oldest pre-served gardens in Essen. After extensive renovation work, the association Friends of Dingerkus Garden House are now also opening its gates to the public as part of the Green Capi-tal year. On the occasion of the “säen, ernten, Essen” (Sow-ing, Harvesting, Eating) activities, this garden paradise will be connected with other participating locations in the city via specially designed cycle paths along green routes. After the official opening ceremony attended by friends and spon-sors, at which Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen is also expected, the Friends invite the residents of Essen to an open day on 2 July. At the summer festival for the reopening of the histor-ical estate, visitors will discover not only the long-forgotten vegetables and herbs of our ancestors, but also ornamental plants from the days of Goethe, including an exhibition on coffee and tea culture. More dates online. www.gartenhaus-dingerkus.de

As part of the activities for “säen, ernten, Essen” (Sowing, Harvesting, Eating), the Dingerkus Garden House will be presented on the following dates, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the changing seasons:14 May, 9 July and 1 October

ACTIVITYDAYS14 May, 9 July and 1 October

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Wenn man mit www.gut-fuer-essen.de Herzenswünsche gemeinsam erfüllen kann.Wenn man mit www.gut-fuer-essen.de Herzenswünsche gemeinsam erfüllen kann.

Miteinanderist einfach.

Sparkasse Essen

Anzeige_Gruene_Hauptstadt_Querformat.indd.indd 1 13.04.2017 09:13:20

22 03.201703.2017

K R E U Z E S K I R C H E P A N E L D I S C U S S I O N

SHOPPING BUZZ VS. SUSTAINABILITY

THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

FROM GREEN TO GREY TO GREEN+

MINERAL WATER SPONSORSHIPS

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After the first panel discussion in the Kreuzeskirche church focussed on the topic of My Green – Just Infrastructure or a Liveable City?, on 11 May the focus will be on the topic My Shopping. “Unlimited shopping, or sustainable consumer-ism?” – this is the question that top-level experts from sci-ence, politics and environmental organisations will be dis-cussing, in order to stimulate dialogue with citizens from Essen. Consumer behaviour has changed significantly in re-cent years. People are shopping more responsibly, and the trend is towards sustainability. The European Green Capi-tal – Essen 2017 hopes to promote this social development. At 7 p.m., presenter and TV weather expert Sven Plöger will welcome the guests to the Kreuzeskirche church, and pass the mic to Dana Giesecke (FUTURZWEI. Foundation for

Mastering the Future). Following her keynote speech on the topic All You Need is Now. On the Expansion and Accelera-tion of our Consumption, Plöger will be opening the panel discussion with Thomas Brose (Climate Alliance of European Cities with Indigenous Peoples from the Rain Forests, Alianza del Clima), Dr Rupert Ebner (Slow Food Germany), Dr Marc- Oliver Pahl (Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia), and Dr Tanja Scheelhaase (EPEA GmbH, Cradle to Cradle). Poetry slammer Jason Bartsch will add an artistic note. Admission is free of charge.

M Y F U T U R E M I X E D G R E E N S

EDIBLE DAYCAREACQUIRING A TASTE

Fresh strawberries or crisp carrots do more than just taste good, they also supply the body with important nutrients.

It is therefore recommended to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. So that children can discover the pleasures of healthy eating from an

early age, the Essen Children’s Foundation has developed the project Five a Day – Make Children Strong. Meanwhile, 18 child daycare facilities in Essen are participating in this programme of exercise and nutrition. In the year of

the Green Capital, the Edible Daycare adds another project to this. Together with the teachers, children plant and care for fruit trees, lay out herb and vegetable beds, and build insect hotels. In this way, they learn

with all their senses how small seeds grow into mighty trees with sour-sweet apples, and in this way they learn respect and appreciation for nature. The first child daycare facilities have already been provided with “snack gardens”: planting boxes with soil and seeds, which will

facilitate the start of edible daycare. www.kinderstiftungessen.de

Essen’s City Council Committee for the Environment, Consumer Protection, Green Spaces and the Gruga Park decides, amongst other things, about engineering, architectural, environmental protection and expertise assignments and drives the implementation of the environmental policy. In 2017, it also has a special task: The committee members work closely with the Project Office discussing Green Capital-related topics and approving planned projects and activities.

From Green to Grey to Green+: This unusual title describes not only the development of the City of Essen into the third-greenest city in Germany, but is also the name of a space and sound installation about the history of the city, by Ansgar Silies. The installation, which was presented at the opening ceremony of the European Green Capital – Essen 2017, can now be visited at the main entrance during the opening hours of the Grugapark.

Essen’s mineral water source Schloss Quelle is the offi-cial mineral water of European Green Capital – Essen 2017, and this year it will once again be awarding around 1,000 mineral water sponsorships. Parents of a newborn can send a copy of the birth certificate and a baby photo to Schloss Quelle, together with the completed partici-pation card, and with a little luck they will receive vouch-ers for twelve months of free mineral water. Schloss Quelle mineral water is low in sodium, free of nitrites and nitrates, and ideally suited for the preparation of baby food. www.schloss-quelle.de

KREUZESKIRCHE PANEL DISCUSSIONS During the opening ses-

sion of the event in March, ARD weatherman Sven Plöger (left)

moderated the panel discussing the topic of My Green.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE of the City of Essen.

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2524 03.201703.2017

M Y F U T U R E

The Knappmann lecture series The Green City has been bringing people from various fi elds together since 2012, all of whom are concerned with the topic of “green in the city”. In keynote speeches, renowned experts provide insight

into their daily working lives, and together with the audience they dare to take a broader view. On 29 June, Peter Knappmann will be inviting audiences to Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site for a further edition in the lecture series. Alongside Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen, fi ve speakers are expected, including Councillor for the Environment and Construction Simone Raskob and landscape architect Andreas Kipar. This year’s event will be dedicated to the topic of Green Landscapes as a Competitive Factor for the Ruhr Metropolis region. The event will be moderated by

Peter Menke, Chairman of the foundation “Die grüne Stadt” (The Green City). www.foerder-landschaftsarchitekten.de

From 1 May until 14 July, locals and visitors can immerse themselves in the “green world” of science. At a wide range of events relating to the topic of Green Future, the 2nd Essen Summer of Science will again bring together people from diverse backgrounds, both for those visiting out of curiosity and for professional networking. Numerous of Essen’s insti-tutions and foundations from the fi eld of education, science and re-search will be providing information and presenting the latest discov-eries. The events (most are free of charge) cover a wide spectrum, offering those hungry for knowledge the opportunity to experience live science. In the Controversial Science discussion series, you can fi nd out for example what effects climate change has on the oceans and their inhabitants. In the School and Science series, schoolchildren present their prize-winning Robot Programming project, and author Joachim Hecker invites participants on an experimental journey to the end of the solar system in a science show. Find an overview of all dates and details for signing up online. www.wissenschaftsstadt-essen.de/essener-wissenschaftssommer

At the 7th Fairventure Conference – organised by the association Nature, People, Economy – the focus this time is on the key idea Dignity, Not Growth Mania. In recent years, many ideas relat-ing to sustainable living and business have proven themselves in practice. Activists and anyone interested can network at the annual fairventure con-ferences, which provide information about the process of eco- social change. This year’s conference will be held from 9 to 11 June in the rooms of VHS Essen. The diverse supporting programme includes lectures, workshops, information stands, and an open space covering current and spontaneous activities. Groups such as associations, cooperatives, and initiatives can partici-pate at a discounted ticket price. www.fairventure-konferenz.de

BRIGHT PROSPECTS

In the Misereor exhibition “Glänzende Aussichten”

(Bright Prospects), brought to Essen by the BUND Ger-man Association for Envi-

ronment and Nature Conser-vation, 40 artists dare to

take a surprising look at the challenges of our time. In 99 cartoons, they address the consequences of our con-

sumerism and lifestyle, and provoke refl ection through

their humorous, striking and shocking images. This

is because the cartoons lead the viewers to the

depths of their individual conduct, and place their be-

haviour in a geopolitical context. In this manner, the

images illustrate the wide-ranging consequences of globalisation for humans and their environment, rais-ing the issue not only of cli-

mate change, but also of the continuously growing divide

between rich and poor. From 17 June to 15 July,

the travelling exhibition is shown in Essen’s Central

Library. www.essengreen.capital

For over 20 years, the German Child Protection Alliance has been supporting the main-tenance of municipal playgrounds with its project Games, Not Violence and with the use of volunteer playground sponsors. In this way, 250 of the almost 400 playgrounds in Es-

sen have been “adopted”, and redesigned into near-natural discovery areas with the aid of Grün & Gruga. From April to October, the team of the Spielmobil (play

bus) will now be participating in the idea of the European Green Capital through a wide variety of activities relating to the topic of My Green Playground. The programme extends from a plant workshop and an exercise construction site to cooperative

processing of fruit and vegetables from the garden. In this manner, an interest in nature is aroused in children between the ages of six and twelve, and the foundations

are laid for ecological thinking and behaviour. www.dksb-essen.de

THE GREEN CITY

ESSEN SUMMER OF SCIENCE

MY GREEN PLAYGROUND

FAIRVENTURE CONFERENCE

DIGNITY, NOT GROWTH MANIA


CIGARETTE ENDS BELONG IN THE BIN.

A single one contaminates 80 litres of groundwater.


Once a year, politicians, environmental activ-ists and stakeholders discuss European

environmental policy during EU Green Week. This event is organised by the Directorate-

General for the Environ-ment of the European

Commission, and will open this

year on 29 May in Malta. The fo-

cus will be on the topic Green

Jobs for a Greener Future.

Participants will discuss the issue of

how the EU environmen-tal policy contributes to economic and sustain-

able growth in the European Union with the creation of green jobs. The wider public will

also have the opportunity for virtual participa-tion in a series of online and social media

activities. After further conferences in Brussels, the offi cial closing event of EU Green

Week will take place on 2 June 2017 in Essen, at which the Green Leaf Award and the title

European Green Capital for the year 2019 will also be awarded.

www.eugreenweek.eu

GREEN WEEK

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DONATION PLATFORM OF THE SPARKASSE ESSEN BANK

In just a few clicks, the regional donation platform gut-fuer-essen.de brings together the Sparkasse Essen bank and betterplace.org aid projects with interested donors. Charitable projects can register for free on the platform, present their projects, and apply for donations. A hundred percent of all do-nations will be forwarded to the recipients. The cost for the preparation and distribution of charitable donation certifi cates is likewise waived: this is handled by the platform. Over 100,000 euros have already been raised for the registered projects. It is now intended that the support for volunteering in the city should be expanded to citizens and to association projects in the Green Capital. So if you are planning a project as part of the Green Capital, and still need assistance with the fi nancing, you can register on the plat-form for free. www.gut-fuer-essen.de

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P R O J E C T S O F T H E P A R T N E R S

T he European Green Capital – Essen 2017 has a new point of contact for everyone who wants to learn about the project, its objectives and programme. The Weber-

platz Open Space is located in the former “Haus der Begeg-nung” on Weberplatz, and will be acting as an information centre until 30 September. It is simultaneously the headquar-ters for the volunteers and a meeting point and location for encounters relating to the Green Capital. The spaces are used for workshops, panel discussions, lectures, fi lm presenta-tions, and other events as part of the Green Capital year. The Weberplatz Open Space was designed by the architect collec-tive Modulorbeat. Beforehand the citizens of Essen were giv-en the opportunity to suggest their ideas in the course of a workshop. “We work in fi elds of tension where architecture meets development processes. It is for these conversion sit-uations that we developed our yellow process furniture,” ex-plains Jan Kampshoff from Modulorbeat. The process fur-niture is functional including seating modules, speaker’s lecterns and workstations, which are created from wooden concrete formwork. Moving aids such as tensioning straps en-sure stability, felt blankets serve as covers for stools. Flexible use of the furniture is crucial here. “It is important to us that the furniture can be repeatedly modifi ed, and that the space offers users various options,” emphasises Modulorbeat mem-ber Marc Günnewig. In the spring, the architects’ collective intends to develop additional utilisation options for Weber-platz, together with citizen groups.

AFTER WORK MARKET ON THURSDAYSThe Weberplatz square itself is integrated into the design process. Temporary structures and extensive use of the out-door space are intended to stimulate public life on the square. Another contribution to this is the concept of a new after work market which will take place on Weberplatz square every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. from the end of March. The mix of typical weekday market stands and a di-verse range of food options went over very well with Essen residents on the fi rst few springtime Thursdays. In an evening mood, the people bought fruit and vegetables, sau-sage, fi sh and baked goods, and then enjoyed fresh tarte fl ambée, tasty dishes from the food truck, or a relaxed con-versation at the coffee stand. Ultimately, the Weberplatz af-ter work market is intended to be a place where people can get talking to one another. There is live music, seating areas, tasting booths, and free barbecue facilities. In addition, the square has a “community space”, where citizens can pres-ent their own projects.

WEBERPLATZ MEETING POINTThe after work market takes place every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. The information centre is open on Thursdays from 3 to 8 p.m., on Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on request at [email protected]

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At the end of March, the Green Capital opened its information hot spot in the north of the city centre. On the same date, the

first Essen after work market celebrated its premiere.

TEXT: Heike Reinhold

In 2017, Essen’s largest housing pro-vider is supporting the Green Capital with projects and hands-on activities.

ENCOUNTERS at Weberplatz ALLBAU Goes Green

Subsidies for GREEN Projects

The largest Allbau project relating to the Green Cap-ital is an ecological playground. It is being created in the months of May and June in a courtyard of the

SüdOstHöfe housing project, and will then be available to both the tenants and the Zauberstern child daycare facility. The girls and boys of the neighbourhood will learn to inter-act with natural materials, as well as a technical understand-ing of renewable energies and energy effi ciency measures in houses. The combination of games, exercise and learn-ing is what makes the playground so special. A building with a climbing tower is being built at the site. “The walls can be expanded with cork elements, creating a thermally insu-lated cross-section. In addition, there are areas where the children will gain a feeling for the heat conductivity of var-ious materials by physical and haptic perception,” says All-bau representative Jochen Sander. Furthermore, from May to July the Allbau social management will offer workshops for children on the subject of saving energy. The ecological playground will receive scientifi c support from Dr Hendrik Härtig from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Duis-burg-Essen. In advance, the VKJ child daycare facility man-

agers Sandra Neuwaldt and Jeannette Degner contributed their practical experience. Partner Jens Bosak from Essen Mobility Workshop will be participating as well.

GARDEN PROJECTS IN CHILD DAYCARE FACILITIESGirls and boys are also benefi ting from the Allbau children’s plant nursery project, in which all 21 Allbau child daycare facilities are participating. To this end, the real estate com-pany provides four child daycare facilities with greenhous-es, 17 with cold frame boxes, and all facilities with raised-bed gardens. A fi rst workshop on the topic of Plants, from Sowing to Harvest was already held at the Zauberstern child daycare facility in March, under the expert supervision of the Hoff Landscape Architecture Offi ce from Essen. Overall, the children will learn how little effort it takes to create a green garden with edible plants.

P R O J E C T S O F T H E P A R T N E R S

GIRLS AND BOYS from the VKJ child daycare facility ‘Zauberstern’,

together with Jochen Sander, Annette Giesen and Wolfgang Telöken

from Allbau AG in a greenhouse at the children’s plant nursery.

FREIRAUM WEBERPLATZ (Weberplatz Open Space) is the infor-

mation centre of the Green Capital (left). The after work market

takes place on Weberplatz every Thursday from 4 p.m. (above).

THE SPONSOR of the donation platform is Lord Mayor

Thomas Kufen, shown here with Volker Behr, Chairman

of the Sparkasse Essen bank.

28 03.2017

T homas Hausch liebt es elektrisch zu fahren. Immer wenn er seinen Nissan Leaf startet und das Fahrzeug geräuschlos auf die Straße gleitet, strahlen seine Au

gen. „Elektrisch fahren macht Spaß, nicht nur dank des niedrigen Schwerpunkts des Fahrzeugs bei schnellen Kurvenfahrten, sondern auch wegen der prompten Beschleunigung und des minimalen Innenraumgeräuschs“, erklärt der Geschäftsführer der Nissan Center Europe GmbH. Der engagierte Elektromobilist versucht, möglichst viele Autofahrer von Fahrzeugen mit klassischem Antrieb ‚anzustecken‘. „Wer einmal mit einem ausgereiften Modell wie einem Nissan Leaf über längere Zeit gefahren ist, ist begeistert“, so der Firmenchef. „Über 95 Prozent unserer EVKunden sind hoch zufrieden mit ihren Fahrzeugen. Das ist der beste Wert, den ich in meiner automobilen Karriere kennengelernt habe.“

Bei so viel Enthusiasmus für diese Technologie ist es kein Wunder, dass Thomas Hausch auch direkt angetan war, die Stadt Essen zu unterstützen. „Essen als Grüne Hauptstadt Europas und Nissan als weltweit führende Elektromobilitätsmarke – das passt einfach“, freut sich Hausch. „Wir haben mit weltweit über 280.000 Elektromobilen mehr als jeder andere Hersteller verkauft, über drei Milliarden Kilometer im alltäglichen Einsatz abgespult und über 4.000 Schnellladesäulen europaweit errichtet. Nun möchten wir unsere jahrelange Erfahrung nutzen, um die Grüne Hauptstadt Europas mit Rat und Tat ‚elektromobil‘ zu machen.“

Insgesamt 15 EVs – darunter zehn Leaf und fünf eNV200 – hat Nissan der Stadt im ‚Grünen Hauptstadtjahr‘ zur Verfügung gestellt. Beide Modelle sind prädestiniert für den Transport in der Stadt: Mensch und Material sind nahezu geräuschlos und ohne den Ausstoß von CO2 und anderen Schadstoffen unterwegs.

Teuer sind die japanischen Stromer nicht: Ein Nissan Leaf ist schon mit staatlicher Förderung und einem Nissan Extra Bonus ab 18.365, Euro plus Batteriemiete1 zu haben und hat eine maximale Reichweite von bis zu 250 km (nach NEFZ)2. Das reicht für 98 Prozent der täglichen Fahrten. Warum also warten ...

Nissan macht Essen ‚elektromobil‘ 15 Nissan Elektrofahrzeuge für die Grüne Hauptstadt Europas 2017 Vorreiter der E-Mobilität ist automobiler Hauptsponsor der Umwelthauptstadt

1 Angebotspreis: „Inkl. € 5.000,– Elektrobonus. Der Elektrobonus enthält auf Ihren Antrag € 2.000,– staatlichen Umweltbonus sowie € 3.000,– NISSAN Elektrobonus gemäß den Förderrichtlinien des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Energie zum Absatz von elektrisch betriebenen Fahrzeugen. Nicht kombinierbar mit anderen Aktionsangeboten von NISSAN. Gültig mit Kaufvertragsdatum ab dem 18.05.2016 bis zum 30.06.2017 bei teilnehmenden NISSAN Händlern. Das Fahrzeug wird nur verkauft bei gleichzeitigem Abschluss eines Mietvertrags für die Antriebsbatterie mit der NISSAN Bank. Z. B. zzgl. eines monatlichen Mietzinses von € 79,– bei einer Jahresfahrleistung von 12.500 km und 36 Monaten Laufzeit.“

2 Nach NEFZZyklus homologierte Reichweite. Faktoren wie Fahrweise, Geschwindigkeit, Topografie, Zuladung, Außentemperatur und Nutzungsgrad elektrischer Verbraucher haben Einfluss auf die tatsächliche Reichweite. Die meisten Faktoren können vom Fahrer beeinflusst werden und sollten zugunsten maximaler Reichweite stets berücksichtigt werden.

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Nissan Geschäftsführer Thomas Hausch und sein Nissan Leaf (links). Thomas Hausch übergibt symbolisch den Schlüssel für 15 Nissan EVs an OB Thomas Kufen und die Umweltdezernentin Simone Raskob.

Mehr Info unter: www.nissan.de

Over 200 citizens’ projects will be implemented in the course of the European Green Capital – Essen 2017. The following two examples from Borbeck and Haar-

zopf demonstrate that it is not only adults who benefit.

LOCAL HISTORY WITH A DIFFERENCESince 2015, the organisation Bildungspartner NRW has been promoting cooperation between schools and municipal edu-cational and cultural facilities. With the BIPARCOURS app, the media centre provides an opportunity to combine digital learning with real sensory experiences. Together with the Borbeck Cultural History Association KHV, the Dionysius school in Borbeck took advantage of this opportunity, and de-veloped a scavenger hunt through central Borbeck. “Along the course, the children go to various points where they can receive information on their tablets and have to answer ques-tions,” explains Andreas Koerner, second chairman of KHV. “This requires them not only to make a mental effort, but also to experience their environment with all their senses.” At the education trade fair DIDACTA 2016, the student-focussed course through central Borbeck was awarded 1st prize by the Ministry of Schools for North Rhine-Westphalia. A further route through the Borbeck Schlosspark is currently in the planning stage. “On the new course, the students learn about the oldest park area in Essen in a very varied manner,” prom-ises Koerner. “Amongst other things, this requires them to esti-mate the height of a weeping willow, and compete in a race around the lake. Furthermore, the route leads them to a bun-ker facility from the Second World War, where a video with a contemporary witness account is unlocked on their tablets.” Anyone who wants to try the tasks for themselves can down-load the learning tool from the app store. www.biparcours.de

FRUIT FROM THE MEADOW ORCHARDChildren are also learning in the open air in Essen-Haarzopf. In cooperation with the youth nature conservation organi-sation Naturschutzjugend, the association House of Learn-ing has set itself the task of transforming a field around 6,000 square metres in size into a meeting point for young and old. “On a frost-free day last December, we got together with parents, children, and neighbours, and with the sup-port of a neighbouring farmer we planted 45 trees of various regional fruit varieties,” reports Mark-Steffen Daun. The House of Learning association wants to create a point of contact for citizens and neighbours, and to focus on the top-ic of sustainability. “A single English oak tree provides food and shelter for around 300 organisms, and each tree is there-fore a small ecosystem,” explains Daun, who has attended pruning courses himself in order to support the natural growth of the trees. A sustainable alternative to the tradi-tional lawnmower has also already been arranged. “When the time comes, I’ll call a shepherd friend of mine from Haar-zopf,” laughs the 40-year-old. “He’ll come round with ten or fifteen sheep to gently trim the grass.” An insect hotel, a deadwood hedge, a drystone wall, a shrub bed, and a num-ber of perch bars for birds of prey are likewise present or are currently being built together with the nursery children. In the long term, the association is planning to cover the costs for leasing, tools, and the maintenance of the trees by selling freshly pressed apple juice. Until then, the project is being financed e.g. by tree sponsorships. In return, the sponsors may try all of the fruit varieties. The rest of the harvest will be provided free of charge to the House of Learning child daycare facility.

On tablet excursions, school classes from Borbeck explore their surrounding area by splitting into teams to go on an interactive scavenger hunt. In

Haarzopf, children from the House of Learning join with parents and neighbours to cultivate a meadow orchard with traditional fruit varieties.


LEARN AND DISCOVER

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HAARZOPF CITIZENS’ PROJECT Rafael Jahnke and Mark-Steffen Daun create a meeting point for the neighbourhood on the meadow orchard.

30 03.2017

SHOWCASE URBAN PLANNING PROJECT appeal ing to people across Europe

O ver 25 years ago, a number of visionar-ies set themselves a major challenge: they resolved to restructure – and revi-

talise – a river system in the middle of a dense-ly populated conurbation. A water landscape that for decades had served as a 350-kilometre open sewer system for the wastewater of the Ruhr Area. More than a few will have said the Emschergenossenschaft were mad, doubting the “black” Emscher could ever again become a blue river with green banks. Today those doubts have dissolved, and the kingfisher is once again at home on the banks of the eastern Emscher, confirming the presence of an intact ecosystem. Moreover, this unique multi-genera-tional project, originally started purely as a wa-ter management plan, has now become a show-case urban planning project with international appeal.

This was also demonstrated during the applica-tion for the title of European Green Capital 2017. We are delighted that we and our Emscher con-version project were able to make a significant contribution to bringing the title to Essen. The results of the Emscher conversion are visible in many places: the Borbecker Mühlenbach stream in the triangle of city districts compris-ing Holsterhausen, Frohnhausen and Fulerum

is a green idyll with cycle and footpaths that in-vite people to explore and experience the new-ly created nature. The Schurenbach stream in Altenessen, once banished below ground, now flows again as an open and near-natural water body along the foot of the spoil tip of the same name. At the Katernberger Bach stream, we are implementing the co-creation river model: residents of the city district were invited to sub-mit their own ideas and suggestions during the planning work for the ecological improvement.

I am personally looking forward to a particular highlight this summer: together with Lord May-or Thomas Kufen, we will be adding the finish-ing touch to the renaturalisation of the Bor-becker Mühlenbach by reintroducing the Emscher bullhead to the stream. The fauna will thus follow the flora in returning to the water body!

Dr Uli Paetzel, Chairman of the Management Board

of Emschergenossenschaft

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Premiumpartner:Projektpartner: Medienpartner: Förderer:

45 venues | 2,000 artists | 1 ticket

www.extraschicht.de

24 June 2017

Projektträger:

03.17 HEIMATGRÜN - Essen · INTERVIEW WITH BARBARA HENDRICKS ... DANIEL MÜLLER (THE RUHR AT WERDEN), PHOTO BACKGROUND BY RUPERT OBERHÄUSER PHOTO A CHILDHOOD DREAM ... Heisinger

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