The Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2024 in Rijeka, held from May 14 to 31, was dedicated to the horticulture at Rijeka's largest cemetery, Drenova.
One way to bring the rich heritage of cemeteries closer to the public is through the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC). KD KOZALA joined this event in 2015, and over the past ten years, it has become well-known among visitors thanks to the continually new stories that reveal the history of our city.
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change
The theme of this year's Week of Discovering European Cemeteries was "Environmental sustainability and climate change".
Members of ASCE and other European cemeteries are determined allies in the collective fight against climate change. For years, they have been working on mitigating its effects through a wide range of actions and initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment to the environment. Their activities include responsible use of fossil fuels and water, integrating renewable energy sources, respecting the biological diversity of cemetery plants and fauna, improving native vegetation, responsible waste management, and electrifying their vehicle fleets.
This year's WDEC aimed to raise awareness about the importance of addressing climate change through various events and activities, showcasing different ways in which cemeteries and their visitors can contribute to reducing the negative impact on the environment.
Week of Discovering European Cemeteries in Rijeka
The Week of Discovering European Cemeteries in Rijeka was celebrated from May 14th to May 31st.
The program began on Monday, May 14th, with the grand opening of an exhibition displayed on pedestals along Korzo. The exhibition introduced residents and visitors to the rich horticulture of Rijeka's largest cemetery, Drenova, highlighting its connection to the natural environment.
Horticulture is a valuable aspect of every cemetery, receiving special attention in maintenance, landscaping, and enhancement. Our cemeteries serve as urban parks. The diverse horticultural species, carefully planned and arranged, invite visitors to enjoy relaxing walks. These spaces create intimate areas enriched with vibrant colors, shapes, and scents, as well as numerous geometric forms of plants that intertwine and complement the diverse terrain, creating an extraordinary natural dynamic within the cemetery.
The program continued on Monday, May 27th, at 6:00 PM with a tour of the Drenova Cemetery, accompanied by musical performances by students of the Ivan Matetić Ronjov Music School under the guidance of their mentors. The event also featured a display of photographs of plant species and an educational walk led by Mr. Goran Huljenić, mag.ing.silv., from Urbani šumari d.o.o. Novo Čiče.
The remaining days were reserved for individual visits and tours of the cemetery, assisted by the ARTOUR mobile application.