Cacao farm at the Foyer de l'Espérance
This project involves collaboration among government, private, and educational entities focused on developing an agroforestry initiative that integrates economic activity, labor market integration, and educational opportunities for young children at the “Foyer de l’Espérance” [school and child welfare center] in Fort-de-France. The objective is to plant 1,500 cacao trees on the Foyer's premises by 2025. These trees will serve as pedagogical support for teachers and children. Planting activities commenced in 2022, and the first cacao pods are expected to mature in 2-3 years. Subsequently, these pods will be processed and transformed by the Martinican Lauzéa chocolate factory under the brand “Chocolat de l’Espérance” (Refs 2; 4).
The idea for this project emerged in June 2022 when young students engaged in a discussion about cocoa farming with Thierry Lauzéa during "Business Thursdays," organized by “Espérance Formation Insertion.” These meetings allow young beneficiaries to explore the business world and discuss their career paths with professionals. During one of these sessions, the young participants inquired about the origins of the cocoa used in Lauzéa's chocolates, leading to the concept of producing cocoa for the Frères Lauzéa company (Refs 3; 5).
The idea for this project emerged in June 2022 when young students engaged in a discussion about cocoa farming with Thierry Lauzéa during "Business Thursdays," organized by “Espérance Formation Insertion.” These meetings allow young beneficiaries to explore the business world and discuss their career paths with professionals. During one of these sessions, the young participants inquired about the origins of the cocoa used in Lauzéa's chocolates, leading to the concept of producing cocoa for the Frères Lauzéa company (Refs 3; 5).
Blue Pearls for Berlin
Berlin has faced severe water shortages in recent years, with ponds, small lakes, and pools suffering significantly. Many have dried out or disappeared, causing habitats for countless animals and plants to vanish. Urbanization exacerbates the issue, as more areas become sealed, preventing rainwater from replenishing soil and water bodies. Recognizing the urgency, Berlin introduced the Eco-Account, a strategic reserve of areas and initiatives to mitigate the effects of urban development on nature and landscapes. Central to this is the Blue Pearls for Berlin program, focusing on revitalizing small water bodies to restore biodiversity and ecological balance.
The project identified approximately 30 ponds, pools, lakes, and ditches from over 100 candidates to be transformed into "blue pearls." These revitalized areas will support local ecosystems and improve Berlin’s water cycle. The Berlin Rainwater Agency, alongside departments responsible for nature, climate protection, and water management, is spearheading the initiative in collaboration with the Berlin Nature Conservation Foundation.
Two pilot sites—the Schleipfuhl/Feldweiher water complex in Marzahn-Hellersdorf and the Lankegrabenteich in Steglitz-Zehlendorf—were prioritized for restoration in 2024. These efforts include improving water quality and creating diverse habitats for wildlife. Enhancing small water bodies not only provides a refuge for animals and plants but also contributes to climate adaptation. Restored ponds and lakes can cool surrounding areas and improve the urban microclimate by utilizing locally accumulated rainwater. Blue Pearls for Berlin, approved by the Senate in 2022, aligns with the city’s Eco-Account framework, ensuring that these restored blue spaces offset ecological damage caused by infrastructure and urban projects. The initiative offers Berliners new ways to experience nature, fostering a balance between development and environmental preservation. (Ref. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7)
The project identified approximately 30 ponds, pools, lakes, and ditches from over 100 candidates to be transformed into "blue pearls." These revitalized areas will support local ecosystems and improve Berlin’s water cycle. The Berlin Rainwater Agency, alongside departments responsible for nature, climate protection, and water management, is spearheading the initiative in collaboration with the Berlin Nature Conservation Foundation.
Two pilot sites—the Schleipfuhl/Feldweiher water complex in Marzahn-Hellersdorf and the Lankegrabenteich in Steglitz-Zehlendorf—were prioritized for restoration in 2024. These efforts include improving water quality and creating diverse habitats for wildlife. Enhancing small water bodies not only provides a refuge for animals and plants but also contributes to climate adaptation. Restored ponds and lakes can cool surrounding areas and improve the urban microclimate by utilizing locally accumulated rainwater. Blue Pearls for Berlin, approved by the Senate in 2022, aligns with the city’s Eco-Account framework, ensuring that these restored blue spaces offset ecological damage caused by infrastructure and urban projects. The initiative offers Berliners new ways to experience nature, fostering a balance between development and environmental preservation. (Ref. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7)
Green Corridor Südpanke
The Green Corridor Südpanke is a transformative restoration project that unveiled 700 meters of the river Südpanke, connecting Invalidenpark and Südpankepark in the heart of Berlin. This initiative, part of Berlin's broader mission to restore the Panke River, was spearheaded by the state of Berlin with a focus on ecological restoration, biodiversity enhancement, microclimate cooling, and creating recreational spaces to improve the quality of life for residents (Ref. 2; Ref. 3).
Historically, the river in this area was channeled underground. The project brought the Südpanke back to the surface, integrating ecological principles and landscape planning into the design. The restored section of the river now flows openly in a natural watercourse bed, making it accessible to the public (Ref. 5). The restoration was completed in 2021, transforming the area with features such as playgrounds, lawns, benches, and a continuous biking and walking path that weaves through the green spaces.
Work on the project began in 2010 but was interrupted by the construction of the neighboring headquarters of the Federal Intelligence Service. As a result, parts of the green corridor were opened to the public in 2012, with the full restoration completed nearly a decade later, in 2021 (Ref. 3; Ref. 6).
The project established a seamless connection for cyclists and pedestrians from Invalidenpark in the south to Südpankepark in the north. The new open water section cools the microclimate in Berlin's densely built-up center while providing a critical habitat for plants and animals. Embankments and meadows near the Federal Intelligence Service's property support wild bees and other pollinators, fostering biodiversity. The Green Corridor Südpanke is a vibrant example of how urban ecological restoration can contribute to sustainability, quality of life, and resilience in a growing city. (Ref. 2)
Historically, the river in this area was channeled underground. The project brought the Südpanke back to the surface, integrating ecological principles and landscape planning into the design. The restored section of the river now flows openly in a natural watercourse bed, making it accessible to the public (Ref. 5). The restoration was completed in 2021, transforming the area with features such as playgrounds, lawns, benches, and a continuous biking and walking path that weaves through the green spaces.
Work on the project began in 2010 but was interrupted by the construction of the neighboring headquarters of the Federal Intelligence Service. As a result, parts of the green corridor were opened to the public in 2012, with the full restoration completed nearly a decade later, in 2021 (Ref. 3; Ref. 6).
The project established a seamless connection for cyclists and pedestrians from Invalidenpark in the south to Südpankepark in the north. The new open water section cools the microclimate in Berlin's densely built-up center while providing a critical habitat for plants and animals. Embankments and meadows near the Federal Intelligence Service's property support wild bees and other pollinators, fostering biodiversity. The Green Corridor Südpanke is a vibrant example of how urban ecological restoration can contribute to sustainability, quality of life, and resilience in a growing city. (Ref. 2)
Anita Berber park
The new 6.5-hectare Anita Berber Park has been created on the site of the former St Thomas cemetery, between Tempelhofer Feld and Hermannstraße. It is named after the dancer Anita Berber, who herself was buried there in 1928. The cemetery was unused and out of use for several years and became accessible to the public through the intervention. (Ref. 3; Ref. 6) The construction period was preceded by a public participation process in which the facilities and design were developed together with the users. The redesign of the space was conducted by a landscape architecture office (Henningsen Landschaftsarchitekten PartG mbB) and financed by the German Federal Government (Ref. 1). The new park, which was planned and financed as a compensatory measure for the construction of the A100 urban highway, increases the quality of local recreation in the densely populated district of Neukölln. (Ref. 2; Ref. 6) An important goal was to achieve high species diversity in the park while preserving its valuable trees and shrubs. The park also offers multiple spots for rest and play as well as a zone for free running dogs. (Ref. 2; Ref. 6)
The park features wooden climbing structures and an old collection of trees with hollows, along with bushes and shrubs. These areas often accumulate rubbish, highlighting the ongoing waste management issues the park has faced since its renovation (Ref. 4).
The park features wooden climbing structures and an old collection of trees with hollows, along with bushes and shrubs. These areas often accumulate rubbish, highlighting the ongoing waste management issues the park has faced since its renovation (Ref. 4).
