• Rewards for recycling and other environmentally friendly actions
• A pilot scheme inspired by a European model promoting sustainable tourism

Berlin, the capital of Germany, has launched a new initiative aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to collect waste in exchange for various rewards, under a scheme called “Berlin Pay”.

The programme promotes waste collection activities and other eco-friendly participation, offering incentives such as boat tours, restaurant discounts, and free museum tickets.

The initial trial of the initiative will run until 14 June, with a special focus on the River Spree, which runs through the city centre and is considered one of the main hubs for eco-tourism and water-based activities.

Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s deputy mayor, said water tourism in the city is growing significantly, but also has an environmental impact that needs to be addressed more sustainably.

Sabine Wendt, CEO of the city’s tourism authority, said the initiative aims to encourage visitors to experience Berlin in a more conscious and responsible way toward the environment.

Participants can register via Berlin’s official tourism platform, where around 5,000 activities are offered, including flower planting, tree watering, and cycling instead of driving.

Around 40 organisations, including companies and museums, are taking part by offering rewards for positive environmental behaviour, as part of a campaign to raise environmental awareness among residents and tourists.

The initiative is inspired by a previous programme in Copenhagen known as “CopenPay”, which links tourism with environmental sustainability.