As asylum seekers do not have the right to lease urban gardens, NGOs HEKS and EPER lease
plots in allotment gardens instead – also on six locations in Basel. The garden plots are
managed jointly with asylum seekers and refugees and are cultivated in collaboration with
the programme team. The aim of the practice is to provide a meaningful and beneficial
outdoor activity for asylum seekers and refugees, which are usually not allowed to work or
have a hard time finding employment. Furthermore, they receive training in organic
gardening and composting. At the gardens they speak German and can therefore improve
their language skills. By interacting with other allotment gardeners they learn about local
customs and social rules of conviviality. Children are also very welcome as they can play
outside while learning about nature. The programme is funded by various sources: by
private donors, co-initiators, self-financing, and public authorities. In 2016, 75 adults and 86
children participated in the programme in Basel, cultivating 32 gardens in six locations in and
around Basel.