Berlin, June 2, 2026 – A proposed housing development on parts of the Mariendorf Trinity Cemetery III in Berlin has sparked significant local opposition. On the last Thursday of May, over 50 concerned citizens and environmental activists convened at the historic gate of the cemetery on Eisenacher Straße in Mariendorf to voice their objections.
Community and Environmental Groups Unite Against “Campus Schätzelberg”
The gathering was organized by the Mariendorf-Nord Citizens’ Initiative and BUND Berlin, as part of its “Saving Green Spaces – Heat Protection Now!” campaign. The proposed development, named “Campus Schätzelberg” by the investor, includes plans for 260 residential units, as well as supported housing for social purposes.
Both BUND Berlin and the Mariendorf-Nord Citizens’ Initiative firmly reject the project in its current form. “This is not a blanket ‘no’ to housing construction,” stated a representative from BUND Berlin. “It’s about where and how we build. And whether, in times of climate crisis, species extinction, and the loss of green and recreational spaces, we are finally ready to truly rethink urban development.”
Concerns Over Green Spaces, Biodiversity, and Climate Resilience
The cemetery, particularly its undeveloped sections, is considered a valuable urban natural area, providing essential green space and contributing to biodiversity. Environmentalists and residents argue that developing such areas would exacerbate the effects of climate change, reduce vital habitats for local flora and fauna, and diminish recreational opportunities for the community.
The BUND Berlin has actively identified nearby alternative sites where the proposed housing could be constructed without encroaching on valuable natural areas. These alternatives aim to address the need for housing while preserving crucial green infrastructure within the city.
Ongoing Campaign: “Saving Green Spaces – Heat Protection Now!”
The protest at Mariendorf Trinity Cemetery III is part of a broader campaign by BUND Berlin to protect the city’s green spaces. The organization emphasizes the importance of these areas for climate resilience, particularly in mitigating the urban heat island effect, and for maintaining the ecological balance of the city.
The campaign highlights the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to urban planning, one that prioritizes the preservation of existing green infrastructure and explores innovative solutions for housing development.
Further Developments and Publications
The issue of the Mariendorf Trinity Cemetery III development has been a recurring topic for BUND Berlin, with several related publications and announcements:
- “Development of Mariendorf Trinity Cemetery III is not without alternatives”
- “Stop construction plans: Trinity Cemetery III in Mariendorf is valuable urban nature”
- “Berlin-Mariendorf: Preserve cemetery as a valuable piece of urban nature”
- “Do not build on Mariendorf Cemetery – environmental associations present alternative sites”
- “BUND Berlin launches campaign ‘Save Green Spaces – Heat Protection Now!'”
Relevant publications from BUND Berlin include:
- BUNDzeit 2026/02: Trees
- Flyer “Save Green Spaces – Heat Protection Now!”
- Background paper “Save Green Spaces – Heat Protection Now!”
- BUNDzeit 2025/03: Area Protection
The BUND Berlin continues to advocate for a thoughtful and sustainable urban development strategy that balances the needs of a growing population with the imperative to protect the city’s natural environment.
