Funded by the Government of Turkey, the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award was created in the framework of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD) to recognize efforts of local authorities in promoting sustainable development in Mediterranean coastal cities.

A Mediterranean environment friendly city is "a coastal city in harmony with the sea, utilizing its resources efficiently, equitably and sustainably, reducing its impact on marine and coastal environment and climate change, and managing the environment for the benefit of current and future generations". In other words, a coastal city in which people enjoy a high quality of life and where sustainable development takes place within the carrying capacity of healthy ecosystems.

The objectives of the Award are to encourage local authorities to move towards a more environment friendly future; enable local authorities to act a role-model to inspire other cities; and, raise the awareness of the general public regarding the quality of environment in their cities.

Award ceremony: the ceremony is expected to place during the Ministerial Session of the 22nd Ordinary Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP 22) to be held in Antalya, Turkey, in December 2021.

Eligibility Criteria

• Cities located along the Mediterranean coast, both small towns and metropolitan agglomerations, 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, in line with the priorities of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the principles enshrined in the Barcelona Convention.
• 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.

For more information, visit The Award.