Adapting Heritage Gardens to Climate Change in Oldenburg, Germany

Key Learnings

• Climate Adaptation Requires Structure and Awareness: Adapting historic parks to climate change requires a combination of ecological, technical, and social approaches. Beyond structural measures, mental climate adaptation is crucial: through education, experience and active engagement, the project nurtures a sustainable mindset that extends far beyond its immediate scope.
• Communication as a Success Factor: When implementing visible changes in historic and beloved green spaces continuous and transparent communication is essential. A well-planned Public Relations and engagement strategy fosters acceptance, creates understanding and actively involves the community in the transformation process.
• Participation as Key to Sustainable Development: Involving citizens from the beginning enables long-term and viable solutions. The project demonstrates that participation strengthens the connection to urban green spaces and serves as a learning process for societal change – both for those initiating it and those participating.

Summary

Klimaoasen Oldenburg implements structural climate adaptation measures in historic gardens. Through a participatory museum setting, the project engages the public with regional climate change and adaptation strategies. At the same time, it explores how mental climate adaptation, meaning the understanding and emotional response to climate challenges, can be supported by recognising human needs. This helps build long-term awareness, promotes climate and nature education, and encourages a constructive social mindset. The initiative combines two key areas: practical climate adaptation in urban green spaces and the museum's cultural and educational mission, creating a transformative space for sustainable societal change.

Contact

Name: Saskia Benthack

Organisation: Landesmuseum Natur und Mensch Oldenburg

Email: s [dot] benthacklandesmuseen-ol [dot] de (s[dot]benthack[at]landesmuseen-ol[dot]de)