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.
Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award - 5th edition (2024-2025)
The call for applications is open from 29 November 2024 to 15 April 2025
Representatives of candidate cities can submit their applications through the dedicated platform supported by INFO/RAC.
The simplified application form for the 5th edition (2024-2025) of the IEFCA Award, aims at facilitating broader participation from the Mediterranean municipalities. It maintains the four categories identified by Decision IG.22/19 (Nature and Biodiversity Protection, Built Environment, Social, Economic and Cultural Sustainability, Policy and Governance), while selecting a limited number of indicative directions within the given categories.
Two introductory workshops will be held to support cities in completing the application process, review the participation rules and a guided walkthrough of the Mediterranean Coastal Cities application form.
For more information: http://www.info-rac.org/iefca
Winners of 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.
