THE cemeteriesthose spaces where our loved ones rest, and places where calm, silence and peace are inseparable, can also be spaces where biodiversity, sustainability and nature go hand in hand to transform them, paradoxically, into sources of life
Although the mission of the funeral home lastleader in Catalonia and with more than 300 years of family tradition in the sectoris to offer funeral and cemetery services aimed at satisfying the needs of families, insurance companies, municipalities, public bodies, hospitals, residences, etc., without social, racial, religious or any other type of discrimination, having also as a priority objective care of the environment in which the various cemeteries are located e promote a service to nature.
Ripoll cemetery, a refuge for butterflies
Him Ripoll Cemetery it is a historic cemetery that has plus 2,300 tombs of different types. In this space managed by Àltima there are garden areas to offer families the welcome service they are looking for when a loved one passes away.
The space has the particularity of being in a natural environment with garden areas. /DdG
In this cemetery in Girona, ofmodernist and neoclassical aestheticsthe natural environment is used to provide for families different types of tombs available as niches (mural tomb intended to accommodate a coffin or an urn), pantheon (funeral monuments intended for the burial of multiple deceased people, generally belonging to the same family), columbaria (smaller vertical graves, specially designed to house urns with the ashes of missing people), perinatal space (spaces dedicated to perinatal, neonatal or gestational mourning so that families can have a meeting point, serenity and reflection).
And, in the midst of these spaces, and to encourage life and the rebirth of nature, in the Ripoll Cemetery we find the project butterfly gardens, a network of living gardens spread across Catalonia, Andorra and the Balearic Islands where butterflies are monitored through citizen science. Participant of this network where schools and users of a particular level also collaborate, last contributes to improving the biodiversity of our home by better studying these insects and the practices that favor them.
Altima’s butterfly project helps encourage life and rebirth in nature. /DdG
Butterflies are bioindicator insects particularly sensitive to environmental alterations. Over the last 30 years, butterflies have declined significantly in Catalonia due to causes such as the use of pesticides and herbicides, excessive urbanization or increased drought.
This is the project he collaborates on lastis coordinated by the Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers, with the support of Escoles Verdes (Generalitat de Catalunya) and BETA / UVic.
Awareness for corporate sustainability
The vocation to leave a better planet to the new generations has been present in Áltima for years, with projects such as the butterfly project and many others, and the company has various options for burials with total respect for the environment.
For all this, among other proposals, Áltima offers eco-friendly and environmentally friendly coffinsfree of paint, synthetic fabrics, glass or metal elements, or biodegradable urns, made with mushrooms, clay, salt or natural wood.
The project also contributes to preserving the butterfly, an insect that has lost its presence in recent years. /DdG
And since in each of the business decisions d‘last the environmental impact is taken into account and social of their actions, the commitment to the environment has also led them to offer a fleet of 100% electric company vehicles and other measures such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and vehicles implemented with the aim of reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 50%.
With proposals like these the objective is achieved promote respect and support for natureand make society aware of the risks that, for all of us, damage and overexploit the natural environment in which we live.
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Interview Between Time.News Editor and Biodiversity Expert
Time.News Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the transformative role that cemeteries can play in promoting biodiversity and sustainability. I find it fascinating that such traditionally somber spaces can also serve as vital ecosystems. Can you elaborate on how this concept works?
Biodiversity Expert: Thank you for having me! Cemeteries, typically seen as places of mourning, can indeed be transformed into valuable green spaces. By incorporating natural elements—like gardens, native plants, and even specific projects like butterfly gardens—these spaces can foster biodiversity. The Ripoll Cemetery in Catalonia stands as a perfect example, as it not only serves the families who visit, but also promotes a thriving environment for numerous species.
Time.News Editor: That’s intriguing! I’ve read about the butterfly garden project at the Ripoll Cemetery. How does it contribute to our understanding of biodiversity?
Biodiversity Expert: Great question! The butterfly garden initiative involves a network of living gardens across Catalonia, where butterflies are monitored through citizen science. Schools and community members actively participate, helping to study these bioindicator insects. Butterflies are particularly sensitive to environmental changes, so tracking their populations can provide critical insights into the health of our ecosystems. Over the past decades, changes in urbanization, pesticide use, and climate factors have notably affected their numbers, making this project crucial for conservation efforts.
Time.News Editor: That highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and our responsibilities towards them. Besides the butterfly project, what other sustainable initiatives are being employed in these cemeteries?
Biodiversity Expert: Cemeteries like Ripoll are experimenting with a variety of eco-friendly practices. For instance, Áltima offers completely biodegradable coffins, free of harmful materials such as synthetic fabrics or metals. They also create various natural burial options that respect both the environment and the needs of grieving families. The approach is holistic, aiming to leave the earth in a better state for future generations while still providing space for reflection and remembrance.
Time.News Editor: It sounds like there’s a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. How do you see the future of cemeteries evolving in relation to sustainability?
Biodiversity Expert: The future of cemeteries could be very encouraging! As society becomes more attuned to environmental issues, we may see an increase in the integration of green technologies and practices in these spaces. Beyond their primary role, cemeteries could become models for urban biodiversity, offering habitats for wildlife while promoting peace and reflection for visitors. There’s also potential for educational programs to raise awareness about sustainability in both environmental and emotional contexts, strengthening the community’s commitment to nature.
Time.News Editor: That certainly paints an optimistic picture. for our readers looking to support such initiatives, what can they do in their own communities?
Biodiversity Expert: There are many actions individuals can take! Supporting local environmental projects, volunteering with citizen science initiatives, or even advocating for greener practices in cemetery management can make a difference. Additionally, considering eco-friendly options for end-of-life plans can encourage a more sustainable approach in the funeral industry. Every small action counts towards fostering a healthier, more biodiverse planet.
Time.News Editor: Thank you for this enlightening conversation. It’s heartening to hear how spaces of grief can also become places of life, enriching both our communities and the environment.
Biodiversity Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s important to continue this dialogue and inspire collective action towards sustainability in all aspects of life, including how we honor our loved ones.