Sustainable Karlsruhe

The Species Conservation Foundation at Karlsruhe Zoo supports projects worldwide that serve to preserve biodiversity. It supports the zoo in its commitment to species conservation.

In particular, it promotes projects for the conservation of plant and animal species, the protection and restoration of habitats and environmental education, especially in schools and eco-centers. At the same time, it builds networks at local, regional, national and international level. It is involved in in-situ and ex-situ breeding programs, participates in reintroduction initiatives and supports scientific projects.

One of the conservation foundation's major projects is in Ecuador. This small country in South America is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. For example, there are 130 species of hummingbird and 4,000 species of orchid. However, large parts of the formerly dense rainforest have been cut down and converted into extensive pastures. In 2017, the species conservation foundation acquired a reserve on the western slope of the Andes, where the remaining cloud forest is being protected and the cattle pastures are being reforested.

"Quartier Zukunft - Labor Stadt" is a research and development project at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) that aims to make an entire urban quarter and its people fit for the future. The question is: How can we live well in the city today and tomorrow - while respecting the environment and posterity? Together with you, we want to find answers and try out the good life of tomorrow. 

The City of Karlsruhe's tree sponsorships give citizens the opportunity to make an active contribution to the care and preservation of the city's trees. As a tree sponsor, you take responsibility for the regular watering of a young city tree, especially in the hot summer months. This support improves the living conditions of the trees and promotes the greening of the city. The sponsorship thus contributes to climate protection and the beautification of the cityscape. Interested parties can contact the city directly and receive instructions on how to care for the trees.

The Bruchsal Orchard Initiative is committed to the preservation and maintenance of orchards in the Bruchsal region. These traditional orchards are not only a valuable cultural asset, but also an important habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The ecological and economic value of these areas is strengthened through projects such as tree planting campaigns, training in the care of fruit trees and the marketing of regional orchards. In this way, the initiative promotes environmental protection and biodiversity while at the same time preserving regional fruit varieties.

There are several Fairteiler locations in Karlsruhe that are part of the food sharing initiative. At these locations, you can hand in surplus food or take it away free of charge to reduce food waste. The Fairteiler locations are freely accessible and anyone can use them. The locations include stores and social facilities in the city. 

The Refill Initiative Karlsruhe is part of the Germany-wide Refill Deutschland network. It promotes environmental protection by making it possible to refill tap water in bottles you bring with you free of charge. Participating stores, cafés and public institutions in Karlsruhe offer this service to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bottles.