May 22nd is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Biological Diversity. This commemorative day was established by the United Nations in 1993 and marks the signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of the value and importance of biodiversity. This is because the loss of biological diversity threatens not only individual species, but entire ecosystems and thus our very basis of life. The day of action is intended to encourage people to engage with the issue and support concrete measures to protect biodiversity. It aims not only to draw attention to the problems, but also to highlight perspectives and solutions. Biodiversity is more than just an ecological term – it is an expression of our responsibility towards life on Earth.
Biodiversity also plays a central role in cities, although it is often underestimated there. Urban areas offer a surprising number of habitats for plants and animals – from green roofs to small parks and, of course, in our allotments. A diverse urban environment helps improve air quality, regulates the climate, and provides space for people to relax. Biodiversity ensures a healthier and more liveable environment, especially in densely populated areas. Insects, birds, and microorganisms are not only beautiful to observe, but also fulfill important functions in the ecological balance. Cities that focus on nature-oriented design create refuges for animals and promote better coexistence between humans and nature. Biodiversity in cities is not a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable urban development.
Allotment gardeners can do a lot for biodiversity in their own gardens. Even small changes, such as planting wildflower meadows or setting up an insect hotel, can have a big impact. Consciously avoiding chemical pesticides and peat-based soil also helps to protect species. Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants creates valuable food sources and habitats for many animal species. Composting and leaving leaf piles on the ground over winter also helps small animals and insects. Structural diversity—a mixture of tall and short plants, open spaces, and shady corners—makes gardens particularly attractive to different species. With a little patience, attention, and love for nature, every small garden can become a little oasis of biodiversity.
It is essential to communicate the importance of biological diversity if we want to achieve long-term success. Biodiversity must not only be taught, but also consciously exemplified – in schools, associations, families, and neighbourhoods. Opportunities to get involved are needed: festivals, workshops, community gardens, or walks with nature guides can inspire people to take an interest in the topic. Such events create a sense of community and lower the threshold for getting involved. At the same time, it is important to make successes visible – for example, through information boards or reports on species that have been reintroduced. However, the consequences of a lack of diversity must also be discussed honestly in order to raise awareness of the problem. Only if biodiversity is understood as a common good can we preserve it together.
We allotment gardeners play an extremely important role here and have a responsibility that we must fulfill.
Zero Waste Day is a global day of action that draws attention to the importance of reducing waste and conserving the earth's resources. The focus is on integrating the principle of "zero waste" into everyday life and promoting alternative lifestyles that are less harmful to the environment. This not only means avoiding plastic waste, but also a more conscious approach to consumption, packaging and waste. Zero Waste Day encourages people to make more sustainable choices, such as avoiding single-use products and striving to recycle and reuse.
One aspect of the zero waste concept is realised in our allotment gardens, which not only offer the opportunity to grow your own fruit and vegetables, but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. In allotment gardens, the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is avoided in favour of natural methods and organic cultivation. This promotes biodiversity and helps to reduce the ecological footprint.
Allotment gardens also offer a valuable opportunity to produce food locally and sustainably, reducing long transport distances and the associated CO2 emissions. Having your own garden not only promotes the idea of zero waste by avoiding packaged food, but also contributes to a healthier lifestyle, as you can grow fruit and vegetables in a self-determined way without industrial intervention.
To summarise, Zero Waste Day and allotment gardening go hand in hand when it comes to protecting the environment and making everyday life more sustainable. Both promote a life with less waste, more mindfulness and a close connection to nature.
Let's take the International Day of Zero Waste as an opportunity to remind ourselves of this so that we can leave a world worth living in for our children and grandchildren.
Further links:
https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-day-zero-waste-2025
https://unhabitat.org/international-day-of-zero-waste-2025
Weed Day, celebrated every year on 28th March, is a rather unusual way to engage with the flora of our environment. The day reminds us of the importance of appreciating the plants that are often considered bothersome or unwanted. Weeds play a dual role in many cultures and walks of life – they are both a symbol of resilience and adaptability and a challenge for us allotment gardeners.
Weeds are plants that spread into areas where they have not been intentionally grown, often outcompeting crop plants. Their ability to grow quickly, adapt to a wide range of conditions and thrive in almost any environment makes them true survivors. However, some weeds, such as dandelions or nettles, also have a positive side: they are not only useful in medicine and cooking but also provide habitats for insects and other small animals.
Weed Day also invites us allotment gardeners to question what is supposedly useless and to understand its role in the ecological system. This day can also be used as an opportunity to think about the sustainable use of natural resources and to reflect on our attitude towards nature. Perhaps in the future weeds will no longer be just a nuisance, but a valuable part of our gardens and nature.
The conscious handling of so-called weeds also leads to a reduction in the use of pesticides. Every year, the ‘Pesticide Action Week’ takes place from 20 to 30 March. Further information can be found at:
https://www.semaine-sans-pesticides.fr/decouvrir-levenement/pesticide-action-week/
