The city will compete for the award, which recognizes the results achieved in addressing environmental challenges related to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The selection was announced by the Directorate-General for Environment of the European body, following an evaluation by a panel of experts.
Mayor Toni Pérez expressed his satisfaction at being finalists again, considering it a validation of Benidorm's planning and management as a city and tourist destination. He emphasized that the most valued parameters were water management and climate change adaptation.
Pérez highlighted the dedication of the municipal team and Visit Benidorm in preparing the candidacy, which asserts the city as a benchmark in sustainable resource management since 2015. The awards analyze seven key environmental areas, including air quality, biodiversity, waste, noise pollution, and climate change mitigation.
The European Commission noted that Benidorm excels in all aspects of urban sustainability, particularly in water management and climate adaptation, reducing emissions despite high tourist volume and using green infrastructure to combat the urban heat island effect.
Alongside Benidorm, competing for the European Green Leaf 2028 award are the Spanish town of Chiclana de la Frontera and the Portuguese town of Estarreja. Delegations will defend their candidacies on October 7th and 8th in Guimaraes (Portugal), where the winners will be announced.
The award includes a financial prize of 200,000 euros for the winner, intended for organizing activities and promoting sustainable transformation during their designation year.
