Mannheim, Germany

Natural spaces cover 50% of Mannheim’s total area (14,500 hectares). This includes 4,800 hectares of  conservation areas, 1,800 hectares of woodland and numerous parks such as the sprawling 42-hectare Luisenpark and the 21-hectare Herzogenriedpark. More recently, the city has reclaimed former military areas such as Spinelli and transformed them into new green residential districts, adding 80 hectares of accessible green space, including 18 hectares dedicated to the protection of rare species such as the crested lark.

As an industrial centre and an important part of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, Mannheim faces the challenge of balancing urban development with environmental sustainability. Issues such as lacking funds for desealing paved surfaces, limited green space in densely populated areas and maintaining biodiversity amidst urban growth are key concerns. Mannheim is proactively addressing these challenges through initiatives such as:

• Local Green Deal: Mannheim is leading the way with its Local Green Deal, a pioneering initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. This ambitious goal is being driven by a collaborative effort involving citizens, businesses and research institutions. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and promote sustainable practices across the city. 
• Biodiversity Strategy: Mannheim is actively developing a comprehensive biodiversity strategy to conserve and promote biodiversity in the city. This strategy emphasises the importance of integrating diverse community voices and promoting citizen involvement in conservation efforts. The strategy aims to protect endangered species, improve urban green spaces and raise awareness of biodiversity conservation among the city's residents.
• Biotope Network Planning: Guided by federal and state conservation mandates, Mannheim is implementing biotope network planning to create interconnected habitats. This planning approach aims to protect native flora and fauna by linking diverse ecosystems across the city. The biotope network not only supports biodiversity, but also contributes to climate adaptation efforts by preserving natural habitats and mitigating the effects of urbanisation on local wildlife.

Mannheim is taking an active role in UNP+ as a large industrial city with many challenges in the field of environmental protection and nature conservation and wants to learn from other cities and find solutions together. By supporting science, Mannheim hopes to discover new approaches that have not yet been applied in everyday urban administration.

Mannheim invites residents, businesses and organisations to take an active part in shaping a sustainable future:

• Adopt-a-Green: Enhance green spaces by adopting flower beds or tree plots and contribute to urban biodiversity.
• Green Infrastructure Projects: Support initiatives such as green facades, roofs and urban unsealing to promote more urban green and biodiversity.
• Citizen science and participation: Participate in projects such as VielFalterGarten or Urban ReLeaf, contributing to scientific research and community-driven green initiatives.
• Supporting the Local Green Deal: Working with local stakeholders to implement sustainable practices and shape Mannheim's future as a green, liveable city.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the Local Green Deal Platform.