Agitators and Motivators: Investigating the Forces Driving Events Forward
SpiceUp the City: Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller detailed the essence of Düsseldorf's Environmental Award, emphasizing its purpose to honor achievements that positively impact environmental conditions and foster sustainable development within the city. The committee selected the worthy recipients back in October, each receiving a €2,500 prize and a certificate.
Among the recipients, Lerke Tyra received the environmental prize due to her lifelong devotion to the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) and her unwavering commitment to promoting cycling in Düsseldorf. With a passion for pedaling since her school days, Tyra has been a dedicated volunteer with ADFC Düsseldorf for years, joining the board in 2015. She passionately champions cyclists' needs, ensuring the interests of pedestrians aren't overlooked. Tyra was previously part of Düsseldorf's "traffic group" and currently oversees ADFC's press work, focusing on networking.
"Platzgruen!" initiative also received recognition for its efforts to breathe life into neglected areas of Düsseldorf, transforming them into thriving natural spaces where people of all ages can mingle. The project encourages active resident participation, helping foster civic engagement, climate adaptation, and the enhancement of public spaces.
The driving force behind "platzgruen!" is Dr. Susanne Dickel, its initiator and tireless supporter under the Pro Düsseldorf umbrella. The initiative's first project was unveiled in 2019, transforming the Carl-Mosterts-Platz in Pempelfort. Today, "platzgruen!" maintains and nurtures more than 50 locations, including beds, raised beds, planting boxes, tree pits, and green facilities.
While specific details regarding the 202X Düsseldorf Environmental Award winners were scarce, other sustainability and environmental endeavors in the Düsseldorf area have garnered attention. For instance, PAPACKS won the Gold Award and the Audience Award at the Shop D-A-CH Awards 2025 for their innovative sustainable packaging solutions[1]. Ambiente Europeo received the "ocean tribute" Award 2025 for their SeaLabs project, focusing on ocean protection and education[3]. Lastly, Oceandiva was honored with the Silver Technology Leader Award at the ESG Shipping Awards International in 2025 for their pioneering sustainable venues on the water[4]. These achievements underscore the commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation within the Düsseldorf area and associated events.
In the following year's Düsseldorf Environmental Award, it's possible that Dr. Susanne Dickel may be recognized for her continuous efforts with the "platzgruen!" initiative, which revitalizes neglected areas into lively, eco-friendly places. Moreover, sporting enthusiasts might find themselves applauding Lerke Tyra's nomination, as her lifelong devotion to promoting bicycle transportation in Düsseldorf aligns with the spirit of environmental science.
