The "Gardens of 80" project will expose European cemeteries as memorial spaces that celebrate peace, inclusion, and justice, supporting the goal 16 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Cemeteries for sustainable Europe initiative

In 2024, the Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe (ASCE) launched the "Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe" initiative, which focuses on aligning cemetery activities with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The project’s title for 2025, "Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions", specifically connects to the goal 16, which emphasizes promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies and strengthening institutions. With this initiative, members of ASCE and European Cemeteries Route aim to highlight the role of cemeteries not only as spaces for remembrance but also as vital community centers that contribute to cultural heritage, social reflection, and sustainability efforts across Europe.

Peace, justice and strong institutions

The 2025 project will involve a wide range of activities designed to reshape how cemeteries are perceived and used. It will include educational programs, public events, and local partnerships with institutions to foster dialogue about justice, peace, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Cemeteries will be transformed into spaces that encourage reflection on sustainability, historical memory, and social responsibility.

ASCE plans to engage communities through cross-cultural interactions and educational campaigns, encouraging visitors to recognize cemeteries as places of social cohesion and vital institutions for promoting peace and mutual respect. By doing so, the project seeks to strengthen local communities and promote the values of tolerance and cooperation.

To learn more about this project and its goals, visit the original article HERE.