Multi-level partnership (municipality, owners, associations, citizens' groups)

In view of the heterogeneous ownership structure in the Market Gardeners’ District, the establishment of partnerships was time-consuming. Representatives from the Municipality and its subsidiaries (e.g. City Works for water supply) had to be brought to the table together with gardeners, land owners, associations (such as the Heritage Garden or the Licorice Society) and garden lovers. The municipality approached the corresponding stakeholders in writing, by phone and organized several meetings. Privacy concerns of residents had to be carefully addressed while finding adequate uses for uncultivated land. In one case, the building of trust recently even resulted in the conversion of an abandoned nursery into a community center, where cultural events, cooking classes and exhibitions are held.

  • Bavarian State Garden Show held in Bamberg in 2012 that has drawn the attention of the public to Bamberg's gardening tradition
  • Broad interest in local food production
  • Governmental funding with the National Investment Programme for World Heritage (2009-2013)
  • Early stakeholder involvement is crucial: The participatory process must start with the development of measures not only when it comes to distributing tasks.
  • Changes take time: People naturally resist change. Humans prefer the comfort of familiarity over the anxiety that comes with the unknown. Therefore, sufficient time needs to be planned for to involve stakeholders and get them mentally attuned to the project. The idea is not to eliminate resistance. This is not possible. Instead focus on allowing people to express their issues – sometimes people just need to be heard.
  • Communication is key: Make sure you provide all stakeholders with relevant information about the project in time. Depending on rumors destroys the basis of trust.