The theme for the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2024, "Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change," was developed as part of the ASCE initiative "Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe."

This initiative aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 11, which promotes sustainable cities and communities. It highlights the role of cemeteries in both preserving cultural heritage and enhancing urban sustainability.

WDEC 2024 activities

Building on this theme, the 2024 Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC) spurred activities across seven countries, with over 30 events, including guided tours and exhibitions showcasing sustainable practices. In Slovenia, drought-resistant plants were introduced, while Italy’s SEFIT produced a booklet on sustainability practices in Italian cemeteries. Vienna hosted seasonal workshops on eco-friendly practices, and Oslo’s Eastern Cemetery launched water-saving and rainwater-collecting gravestone projects. Barcelona’s Montjuïc Cemetery organized an educational exhibit on environmental mitigation strategies, and Berlin, Rijeka, and Karlovac hosted sustainability-focused tours and programs.

Future plans

In 2025, the ASCE initiative, "Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe," will continue striving to reach more cemetery visitors and spread the key messages from the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

More details about the initiative and WDEC 2024 can be found HERE.