Transforming barren landscape into alluring walkway: Willingmann funds €2.7 million for climate change adaptation in Bad Kösen
The city of Naumburg has secured a significant funding of around 2.7 million euros from the Saxony-Anhalt Klima III program for the redevelopment of the Gerstenbergk promenade in Bad Kösen. This application, the largest in the funding category "Climate Resilience", is part of a larger effort to address climate change at the regional level in Saxony-Anhalt.
The Saxony-Anhalt Klima III program, which receives 35 million euros from the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRE), aims to support cities and towns in adapting to climate change. The program supports various investments, including flood management, climate resilience, heat action plans, de-sealing and greening of public spaces, new plantings with climate-adapted shrub and tree species, mobile flood protection, water retention basins and reservoirs, and more.
The Gerstenbergk promenade redevelopment project, titled "From Gray to Green – Transformation of a Promenade", will see at least half of its approximately 7,500 square meter area de-sealed. The promenade will be transformed into a sports and recreation area, complete with new seating options and play elements. Green islands with deep beds will be created between the lanes of the promenade to promote biodiversity and water retention.
In addition, fifty climate-adapted trees will be planted, and cisterns will be built to use rainwater for irrigation of plants and green spaces. The city of Naumburg will invest around three million euros in this future-oriented renovation, including a 10% own contribution.
Naumburg's Mayor Armin Müller stated that the construction project is of great importance for Bad Kösen, contributing to climate protection and improving the urban development of the Gerstenbergk promenade. Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann emphasized that the transformation of the Gerstenbergk promenade sets standards and can serve as a blueprint for other municipalities.
The demand for the Saxony-Anhalt Klima III program is enormous, with applications often being oversubscribed. The application process for this program is expected to continue until June 2025, with applications due in July-October 2024 and May-June 2025. The program is open to municipalities in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
The Ministry of Climate Protection is responsible for the Saxony-Anhalt Klima III program and is funding the climate-friendly redesign of the Gerstenbergk promenade in Bad Kösen, Naumburg. The state of Saxony-Anhalt is responsible for finding solutions on how to support necessary investments for adapting to climate change.
This project marks a significant step towards creating climate-resilient cities and towns in Saxony-Anhalt and demonstrates the commitment of the state and local governments to addressing climate change at the regional level.
