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Statement on the social importance of allotment gardens Statement on the motion of the NRW parliamentary group of the SPD “Long tradition, modern idea – 100 years of allotment garden associations in NRW”

Allotment gardens compete with other uses for scarce land. However, they play a central role in sustainable urban development. They increase the resource efficiency of urban districts and fulfill a variety of social, ecological and economic services for urban society.

According to a representative survey conducted by the IÖW in Stuttgart, Leipzig and Berlin, around two thirds of city dwellers spend at least occasional time in allotment gardens. Respondents most frequently visit allotment gardens to go for a walk, relax, experience nature or meet gardening friends. In addition to this role for recreation, community and experiencing nature, allotment gardens are also important for climate protection and adaptation to the effects of climate change. They also promote biodiversity in cities, contribute to a healthy living environment and contribute to the local food supply. The Berlin allotment garden site Bornholm II thus generates a total social value of around 1.2 million euros per year.

The preservation of existing allotment gardens is particularly important. Newly created gardens can only replace all the benefits of older gardens after years or decades – for example, because old trees store more CO2 and have a greater cooling effect in hot weather. Public funding can provide incentives for allotment gardens to exploit their potential for social benefit. By promoting infrastructure on publicly accessible areas (e.g., paths, seating, drinking water dispensers, playgrounds, toilets) or social and cultural activities, the gardens become an open place for the neighborhood. The contribution to climate protection and adaptation can be promoted in the form of preserving old trees, planting new trees or unsealing measures. For species-friendly gardens, cities could support the purchase of suitable materials such as seeds or nesting aids or strengthen educational offers such as training and information material.

View statement (DE)