Students from the Faculty of Horticulture and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology took top positions in the 2025 Student Thesis Competition, in which the South Moravian Region awards the best bachelor’s and master’s theses focused on the environment. In the bachelor’s thesis category, the winner was Anna Sovová from the Faculty of Horticulture, who focused on natural cemeteries as a landscape phenomenon. Third place went to Aneta Grůzová, also from the Faculty of Horticulture. In the master’s thesis category, Kristýna Kovářová from the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology placed second.

“My bachelor’s thesis maps the phenomenon of natural burial and natural cemeteries. In the design section, I apply the acquired knowledge in a proposal for a natural cemetery in Brno-Židenice, where the existing cemetery could be expanded. I try to connect several layers—the symbolism and narrative that run through the entire design, the green layer and its appropriate selection with respect to the site, work with water and fauna, and of course the application of new forms of burial,” described Anna Sovová from the Faculty of Horticulture, MENDELU.

Compared to traditional cemeteries, natural cemeteries are specific in both place and burial style. “When designing natural cemeteries, we aim to transform the traditional form of cemeteries with stone gravestones arranged in straight rows into natural habitats—the cemetery can thus become a forest, park, meadow, perennial bed, orchard, or a combination of the above,” the winner explained.

Another factor is natural burial itself. Instead of traditional burial of the body in the ground or placing ashes in a grave, columbarium, or scattering area, the body is laid in a biodegradable eco-coffin into meadow vegetation, while ashes are mixed with soil to improve pH and placed near trees or into planting beds. “Alternatively, entirely new forms of burial can be used, such as so-called terramation (also known as human composting) or aquamation (water cremation). These options are not yet anchored in Czech legislation. Nevertheless, I work with them in my thesis because my design is also an idealistic vision of how burial practices might change over the coming decades,” Sovová stated.

“I chose this topic as a tool to cope with the fear of death. The idea of natural burial appealed to me—like to many people—more than the options currently available on the market. Through my work, I try to raise awareness, because I want this option to exist not only for me and my loved ones, but also for everyone who might be inspired by it,” outlined the student, who became a member of the association Poslední stopa while working on her thesis.

A total of 46 students from six universities applied for the 23rd edition of the competition, with 40 advancing to evaluation. The competition is regularly announced by the Department of the Environment of the South Moravian Region, and its coordination is ensured by Lipka. The three best bachelor’s and master’s theses receive financial awards ranging from CZK 5,000 to 15,000. Financial awards (CZK 3,000) are also granted in special categories: the Award of the First Deputy Governor of the South Moravian Region, the Award of the Director of Lipka, and the Award of the Expert Committee. All applicants receive a publication output in a proceedings volume with an ISBN.

Winners – Bachelor’s Theses Category:

1st place: Anna Sovová – Natural Cemeteries as a Landscape Phenomenon (Faculty of Horticulture)
3rd place: Aneta Grůzová – Water in the Landscape: A Comprehensive Landscape Analysis of the Bořetice Municipality Cadastre with an Emphasis on the Water Regime of the Area (Faculty of Horticulture)

Winners – Master’s Theses Category:

2nd place: Kristýna Kovářová – Optimization and Design of New Elements of Recreational Infrastructure in the Křtiny Arboretum (Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology)