Students in Cologne defend themselves: The forest remains! That's it! against deforestation!

Students in Cologne defend themselves: The forest remains! That's it! against deforestation!

In Cologne-Bocklemünd there is resistance to the city's planned new building projects. Students from the Max Ernst Comprehensive School (MEG) recently organized a flash mob in the small school forest to draw attention to their concerns. With posters like "The forest remains. That's it!" They showed that preserving their green retreat is important to them. They are particularly affected by the plans to demolish the old cafeteria and build a new one by the summer of 2029. However, this project raises the question of whether construction could also be carried out on the site of the old cafeteria without trees having to be felled, as Rundschau Online reported.

The school forest is not only a place for the students to relax, but also an important shelter from noise and heat. Helmut Röscheisen from BUND sharply criticizes the deforestation and calls for alternatives. Several demonstrations that took place on June 16 and 23, each with around 250 participants, illustrate the commitment of students and teachers to preserving the forest.

Forests and education – an inseparable connection

The German Environmental Aid (DUH) has also dealt intensively with the topic of school forests. They demand binding minimum standards for schoolyards close to nature and are creating small forests in several cities that not only serve as places of retreat, but are also intended to reduce stress and increase the joy of exercise. In Germany, many school campuses are heavily sealed, which exposes children to heat, noise and dust. The DUH is at the forefront of a movement that encourages schools to transform their environment, as Deutsche Umwelthilfe highlights.

These developments are particularly relevant in light of the current climate challenges that affect every level of society. Educational institutions can play a crucial role in making children aware of climate and environmental issues. Through projects such as planting trees or learning about their own CO2 footprint, students are encouraged to actively engage with their environment, as My lessons emphasizes.

The future of MEG and urban development

The planned construction projects at MEG are not only controversial from the students' perspective. Ute Reckers, mother of a student, also expresses concerns about the social situation in the district. The current number of students is developing differently than originally forecast, and with a new comprehensive school that recently opened in Ossendorf, the need for school places could already be met. Nevertheless, the city administration points to future residential developments in Ehrenfeld, which could generate even more school demand.

However, MEG school director Ralf Emmermann sees an opportunity for independent construction work and a new planning of the cafeteria without having to sacrifice the forest. This situation could serve as an opportunity for the city and the responsible parties to balance education and nature conservation. It seems that we are facing an exciting chapter in the development of the school landscape in Cologne.