Karl Foerster Award

Since 1991, the Karl Foerster Award has honored outstanding, practice-oriented achievements in plant use and their contribution to the enhancement of urban, natural, and cultural landscapes throughout Germany. Recipients of this prestigious small sculpture by the artist Günter Anlauf include municipalities, construction companies, businesses, as well as individuals from journalism, art, and academia who have a public impact through innovative green space concepts and exemplary vegetation design. Projects are supported in the fields of environmental and nature conservation, urban development & urban renewal, energy efficiency & climate protection, as well as infrastructure & urban planning. The award represents a valuable recognition and raises awareness of the importance of high-quality plant use in urban and near-natural environments.

Proposals can be submitted continuously via the board members or the circle of friends and sponsors. A prerequisite is proof of concrete, realized examples as well as outstanding achievements in landscape enhancement. The evaluation is based on the quality and degree of innovation in plant use, the contribution to the enhancement of urban, natural, and cultural landscapes, and the feasibility within the regional context. A voluntary board decides on the award and organizes the public ceremony at the site of the respective project. This award creates incentives to understand green spaces as an integral part of sustainable urban development and makes a valuable contribution to the livable design of our environment.