Sustainable development of Aachen's district cemeteries

The city of Aachen is located in the Rhenish lignite mining region and is heavily affected by structural change. Due to the city's basin location, some districts are particularly exposed to the effects of climate change such as summer heat, heavy rain and storms. Due to the high population density, the remaining open spaces are particularly important for adaptation. With a total area of around 42 hectares, the district's cemeteries account for 46 percent of the district's green spaces. Using the potential of these areas to safeguard biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change is the aim of the project "Development of Aachen's district cemeteries for a sustainable increase in biodiversity and peaceful recreation" run by Aachener Stadtbetrieb.

To this end, an ecological development concept for the cemeteries is to be drawn up that also takes into account aspects of peaceful recreation for citizens. The first steps are to map the district cemeteries and draw up detailed objectives and measures to promote biodiversity and near-natural recreation. The recreational value of green spaces is to be made more visible through public relations work. The measures contribute to climate adaptation and also have a positive impact on the water cycle. The planting of new trees and the creation of species-rich biotope areas strengthens the ecological potential and biodiversity of fauna and flora.