The Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award was created in the framework of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development to recognize efforts of local authorities in promoting sustainable development in Mediterranean coastal cities (COP 19 Decision – IEFCA).

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 as a role-model to inspire other cities; and, raise the awareness of the general public regarding the quality of environment in their cities

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 for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean.

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

Evaluation:
nomination and selection process

• May 2027: The Secretariat to proceed with the initial screening of the applications
• June – July 2027: The Technical Committee supported by three independent experts to propose a short list (three cities) and to draft the evaluation report
• August – September 2027: The Jury to approve the evaluation report and to nominate the winning cities
• September – October 2027: The Secretariat to notify applicant cities about the results of the selection and nomination process, and; organization of a regional experience sharing workshop with applicant cities and partners
• December 2027: Award giving ceremony