The deadline for application for the fourth edition of the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award (2022-2023) has been extended to 30 June 2023. This is your chance to put your Mediterranean city on the map and earn recognition for achievements in the field of urban sustainability.
The previous edition of the Award went in 2021 to Málaga (Spain). Winners are invited to a ceremony held during the Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols. At the ceremony of the 2020-2021 edition, held during COP 22 of the Barcelona Convention, the municipality of Málaga received the Award from the First Lady of Türkiye Emine Erdogan [video]. The achievements of runner-up cities, namely Genoa (Italy) and and Crikvenica (Croatia), were applauded during the ceremony.
The Award ceremony for the 2022-2023 edition will take place at COP 23 of the Barcelona Convention, which will take place in December 2023 in Portoroz, Slovenia.
What is the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award?
The Award was established by virtue of Decision IG.22/19 of COP 19 of the Barcelona Convention, with the aim of recognizing efforts of local authorities in promoting sustainable development in Mediterranean coastal cities. It is one of the flagship initiatives of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD 2016-2025). Cities located along the Mediterranean coast are invited to apply by demonstrating concrete steps taken and progress achieved to protect the environment, improve the quality of life, and promote sustainable development.
How are applications submitted?
The representatives of candidate cities can now submit a streamlined online application through this platform supported by INFO/RAC. As a first step, users will have to register here to obtain credentials allowing them to complete the online application form.
The application form starts with general questions to better situate the urban context of the candidate city. These are followed by 15 indicators pertaining to four categories (COP 19 Decision – Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award), namely: Nature and biodiversity protection; Built environment; Socio-economic and cultural sustainability, and Policy and governance. It is recommended, but not mandatory, to provide qualitative and quantitative information for all indicators. Applicants can gain an in-depth understanding of the assessment method by perusing the calculation guidelines.
