‍Biodiversity
Soil sealing reduces ecological functions and alters the exchange of energy, water and gases between the area below and above a soil sealing layer. This has a direct negative impact on plant and animal biodiversity, such as the loss of plants and animals and their natural habitats. Plant biodiversity stimulates soil biodiversity and leads to increased soil function. Loss of natural habitat has been identified as one of the main reasons for recent declines in insect populations. Therefore, unsealing soils is a positive measure to maintain, protect, and develop healthy soils and a rich biodiversity of plants and animals.

Vision - "Adapt 4 Climate"
Let's imagine a federally owned virtual (networking) platform with the working title "Adapt4Climate":
Using a map, residents can see which areas are made available for environmental projects by tradespeople, landowners* or the city. A public project pinboard coordinates and connects people from the neighborhood with local businesses on site. These people can present their project, select project phases, and receive reimbursement for materials without any red tape. A small incentive of 50 euros for project managers for a complete project report ensures that content is communicated and project communication is transparent. Projects can be implemented in up to three categories: Green maintenance, unsealing and renaturation. A catalog of measures with construction instructions is available. Many helpful links provide information on the three subject areas. An interactive main page shows an overview of all projects that are being implemented in the municipality or state, thus creating the greatest possible transparency.
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The idea "Unseal the City" is a "unsealing campaign" consisting of two parts.
Just start! With an excavator we break up the asphalt on 31.07.2021 and unseal an area of almost 12 m². Glad you're there or have been! Missed it? You can find out more - and much more information - on our website and social media channels. Just scan the QR codes! With this - admittedly - brute act we want to expand your awareness and knowledge about unsealing cities. We want to inspire you to become active yourself.
Why unseal actively? There are many good reasons for this, which are already being researched in many places. These two information banners will give you some background knowledge and ideas.

Impact
The term "soil sealing" was first defined by Duley in 1940 and refers to a thin layer that limits the penetration of water into the soil. This layer can be made of concrete, metal, glass, asphalt, and plastic, for example. This has implications for various compartments of an ecosystem that are of particular importance in an urban context:

Water
Extensive sealing has a pronounced effect on the water balance due to the loss of infiltration areas for precipitation. Groundwater recharge, which is necessary for our water supply, among other things, is greatly reduced. On the other hand, rainwater contaminated with tire wear, garbage and dog excrement enters the sewer system either directly into surface waters or into a sewage treatment plant. In addition, the risk of flooding increases during heavy rains due to a lack of infiltration.
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‍Soil
‍If the water and oxygen supply is prevented by sealing, the soil organisms responsible for the formation of fertile soil are destroyed. Thus, soil fertility is massively impaired and the carbon storage function of soil is reduced. The loss of organic components changes the soil structure as well as the buffer and storage capacity for nutrients and pollutants. Since soils are formed over long periods of time, the previous soil quality can only be restored with great effort.