Recognizing the role and contributions of cities and local authorities in fulfilling the UNEP/MAP vision for a healthy Mediterranean Sea and Coast.
The award
The Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award was created in the framework of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD 2016-2025) as one of its flagship initiatives. The Award was established by virtue of COP 19 Decision IG.22/19 with the aim of recognizing efforts of local authorities in promoting sustainable development in Mediterranean coastal cities.
The Award recognizes the role and contributions of cities and local authorities in fulfilling the UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention system’s vision for a healthy Mediterranean Sea and coast.
Eligibility
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. There is no size or population reference, i.e. both small towns or metropolitan cities are eligible to apply.
Applications submitted by local authorities should emphasize partnerships with civil society, the scientific community and the private sector, including actions aimed at promoting urban sustainability. Both achievements and plans for strengthening urban sustainability in a Mediterranean coastal context will be considered.
A simplified online application process
The representatives of candidate cities can now submit a streamlined application online 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: 1. Nature and biodiversity protection; 2. Built environment; 3. Social, economic and cultural sustainability, and 4. 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.
Indicative Timeline
- May 2023: the Secretariat proceeds with the initial screening of the applications.
- May-June 2023: the Technical Committee supported by three independent experts proposes a short list (three cities) and drafts the evaluation report.
- July 2023: the Jury considers the evaluation report and nominates the winning triumvirate.
- September-October 2023: the Secretariat notifies applicant cities about the results of the selection and nomination process and organizes a regional experience-sharing workshop with applicant cities and partners.
- December 2023: Award-giving ceremony.
Previous editions
2017 – 1st edition. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey:
- Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award (IEFCA) – 2017 pilot edition (factsheet)
- Press release: Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award: Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is the Winner
2019 – 2nd edition. Ashdod, Israel:
- The Mediterranean city of Ashdod wins the second edition of the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award (press release)
- COP21 celebrates the achievements of the winner of the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award
- IISD Reporting Services: Barcelona Convention COP21 | The 2019 Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award (video)
- IISD Reporting Services COP 21 Summary Highlights
2021 – 3rd edition. Malaga, Spain
2023 - 4th edition. Genoa, Italy
Malága winner of the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award from Earth Negotiations Bulletin on Vimeo.
