Germany is Buzzing! Planting Competition

The Deutschland summt! Planting Competition calls on individuals and groups nationwide to create bee-friendly spaces of all kinds and thereby actively contribute to insect protection and the strengthening of biodiversity. Since 2016, the Foundation for People and the Environment has been motivating private individuals, educational institutions, associations, companies, and municipalities to establish natural plantings. Before-and-after photos are documented on the competition platform to transparently demonstrate the impact of the actions. An independent expert jury evaluates each entry based on the insect-friendliness of the planting, creative design, and quality of documentation. Winners in various categories, ranging from balconies and terraces to daycare and school gardens as well as municipal areas, are honored at a festive awards ceremony in Berlin and receive certificates, trophies, as well as cash and material prizes.

Interested parties can register their planting actions online from April 1, 2026, and submit them until July 31, 2026. Participation requires a brief project description and photographic documentation of the condition before and after implementation. The open registration enables families, school classes, trainees, company employees, and many other stakeholders to jointly realize sustainable environmental education. The competition promotes the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the areas of health, education, sustainable cities, and climate protection. Through diverse actions, a network of committed individuals is created that makes an important contribution to bee protection and raises awareness for natural landscaping.