German climate activists have dyed the waters of a UNESCO World Heritage Site vivid green to raise their voice against a chemical company’s environmental impact.
Visitors to Bergpark Wilhelmshoehe in Kassel, in Germany’s Hesse State, were shocked to see bright green water flowing from the park’s famous fountains on 4th August.
Images of the scene showed the once-clear waters of the Baroque fountain transformed into a striking green, highlighting Climate Justice Kassel activists’ message against the chemical company K+S AG.
More images depict the activists unfurling a banner reading “Drinking water instead of poisonous water.”
The company which primarily extracts chemicals for agricultural and industrial use is considered one of Europe’s largest suppliers of potash for use in fertiliser.
The activists demanded an end to salt contamination of natural heritage sites worldwide, particularly the Werra River.
The group said in a post on the social media platform X: “Brilliant green water displays at Bergpark Wilhelmshoehe.
“Today we are protesting under the #Hercules against the Kassel-based company K+S, whose salt mining has turned the Werra and Weser into salt-laden rivers.
“The rivers must return to drinking water quality!”
They added: “This requires a significant reduction in the limit values. The green paint used is, in contrast to the waste from K+S, biodegradable.”
Climate Justice Kassel spokesperson Luna Garzon said: “Clear and healthy drinking water that everyone can afford is needed instead of salt.”
Hesse’s Minister of Culture, Timon Gremmels, 48, criticised the protest and said: “Attacking art and cultural assets and accepting damage can never be a form of legitimate protest, so I condemn the activists’ actions.”
Bergpark Wilhelmshoehe, Europe’s largest hillside park, has been a UNESCO World Heritage since 2013.
It’s known for its monumental Baroque architecture and its unique fountains and water features.
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Story By: Georgina Jedikovska, Sub-Editor: Georgina Jedikovska, Agency: Newsflash
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