SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 4, 2024 – In response to escalating concerns about water scarcity and the impact of climate change, a coalition of German horticultural associations has released a comprehensive position paper outlining strategies for sustainable garden irrigation and green infrastructure development. The paper, presented to Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. Bettina Hoffmann at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) on July 4th, emphasizes the importance of educating consumers and municipalities about responsible water use and promoting sustainable irrigation practices.
A Proactive Approach to Water Conservation
The coalition of associations, including the Industrieverband Garten (IVG) e.V., aims to actively contribute to the National Water Strategy's guidelines for addressing water scarcity. By focusing on education and sustainable irrigation methods, the group advocates for a proactive approach that avoids blanket bans on watering.
"We are reaching out to garden owners and municipalities to raise awareness about their responsibility and empower them with practical solutions," said Anna Hackstein, Managing Director of IVG e.V. "The presentation of this position paper to Dr. Bettina Hoffmann underscores our commitment to working with policymakers to ensure a sustainable future for gardening and landscaping in Germany."
Empowering Consumers with Information and Resources
In addition to the position paper, the coalition has launched a dedicated website, www.wasserimgarten.info, to provide consumers with information and resources on sustainable garden irrigation. The website offers practical tips on water-saving techniques, drought-resistant plants, and climate-resilient garden design.
Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
The campaign is a collaborative effort involving several leading horticultural associations, including the Bund deutscher Baumschulen (BdB), Bundesverband Garten-, Landschafts- und Sportplatzbau (BGL), Handelsverband Heimwerken, Bauen und Garten (BHB), Herstellerverband Haus & Garten (HHG), Verband Deutscher Garten-Center (VDG), and Bundesverband Einzelhandelsgärtner (BVE). The position paper is available on the websites of these participating organizations.
By working together, these organizations hope to foster a greater understanding of the importance of water conservation in gardening and landscaping, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for Germany's green spaces.