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The Importance of Undiscovered Green Islands in Urban Areas: The Example of Central-Eastern European Cemeteries (Berlin and Warsaw) in the Opinions of City Dwellers

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  • Andrzej Długoński

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Justyna Marchewka

    (Department of Human Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Joanna Nieczuja-Dwojacka

    (Department of Human Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Kaja Makuch

    (Institute of Archeology, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

The effects of climate change are facing extreme drought during the summer period in the cities of Central Europe due to insufficient and limited green infrastructure surfaces, especially in the centers of some built-up capitals (Berlin, Warsaw). As young people shape the future of our planet, young students from Poland and Germany were asked to fill out a survey on how unused spaces of cemeteries as reservoirs of green (a forgotten and often overlooked element of green infrastructure) can serve as a recreation benefit in the age of climate change. The results indicated that the German (the tradition of the cemetery as a park garden) and Polish examples provide many valuable clues, such as biodiversity, passive recreation, and care for elderly people who need more peace and quiet rather than having it in the bustling spaces of cities. Reassessment guidelines for greenery managers balance the challenging city conditions during climate change, especially heat waves, due to cemeteries’ underutilized natural and recreational functions. The future directions may be valuable for other regions of Europe and the World, especially since various scientific spheres now consider the El Niño and La Niña phenomena as globally interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrzej Długoński & Justyna Marchewka & Joanna Nieczuja-Dwojacka & Kaja Makuch, 2025. "The Importance of Undiscovered Green Islands in Urban Areas: The Example of Central-Eastern European Cemeteries (Berlin and Warsaw) in the Opinions of City Dwellers," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:9:p:1902-:d:1752120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tanja M. Straka & Maren Mischo & Konstantin J. S. Petrick & Ingo Kowarik, 2022. "Urban Cemeteries as Shared Habitats for People and Nature: Reasons for Visit, Comforting Experiences of Nature, and Preferences for Cultural and Natural Features," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-21, August.
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