Sustainability - it is a way of life.
Green spaces
Freiburg is covered with “green” in its appearance. It is the home to Germany’s largest communal forest, covering over 40% of the town. The forest is also the home to Germany’s tallest tree—a 63-meter douglas fir. It has a diverse terrain and ecosystems—from high mountains to boggy lowlands. About 44% of the forest is used as an “environmentally appropriate economic forest.” Wood is harvested at a rate of 35,000 m3, which is about three-fourths of the amount that grows back in a year. To sustain this beautiful forest with great value the management of Freiburg’s Forestry Office has done very well to earn "certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, and its timber can be marketed with the FSC eco-label." The remaining 56% of the city forest areconserved—50% managed and 6% wild.
Beneficials of the forest includes:
Freiburg is covered with “green” in its appearance. It is the home to Germany’s largest communal forest, covering over 40% of the town. The forest is also the home to Germany’s tallest tree—a 63-meter douglas fir. It has a diverse terrain and ecosystems—from high mountains to boggy lowlands. About 44% of the forest is used as an “environmentally appropriate economic forest.” Wood is harvested at a rate of 35,000 m3, which is about three-fourths of the amount that grows back in a year. To sustain this beautiful forest with great value the management of Freiburg’s Forestry Office has done very well to earn "certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, and its timber can be marketed with the FSC eco-label." The remaining 56% of the city forest areconserved—50% managed and 6% wild.
Beneficials of the forest includes:
- serves as the city’s “green lungs” and cleans the air
- moderates temperature
- protects the soil
- stores water
- is a natural and free recreational resource
- provides habitat for wildlife, including rare and endangered species
- gives food from deer, wild pigs, and goats
- beautifies the landscape
Parks
Freiburg has over 600 hectares of parks and 160 playgrounds providing greenery, recreation, and biodiversity. Pesticides are not used in management of plants, and only indigenous trees and shrubs are planted. 22,000 trees were planted in the parks, and the same number along streets. There are also 3,800 small gardens on the outskirts of Freiburg, that serve as a source of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Freiburg has over 600 hectares of parks and 160 playgrounds providing greenery, recreation, and biodiversity. Pesticides are not used in management of plants, and only indigenous trees and shrubs are planted. 22,000 trees were planted in the parks, and the same number along streets. There are also 3,800 small gardens on the outskirts of Freiburg, that serve as a source of fresh fruits and vegetables.
By: Mabel Cheung