Guimarães has been selected as the European Green Capital for 2026, triumphing over competitors Heilbronn in Germany and Klagenfurt in Austria. This prestigious title recognizes the city’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Commitment To Sustainability
Guimarães stood out in the competition due to its ongoing commitment to sustainable practices. The European Commission highlighted the city’s impressive results in several key areas:
- Air Quality: Efforts to reduce pollution and improve air standards.
- Noise Management: Strategies implemented to minimize noise pollution.
- Water Management: Efficient use and conservation of water resources.
- Biodiversity: Initiatives to protect and enhance local ecosystems.
- Green Spaces: Development and maintenance of parks and green areas.
- Waste Management: Implementation of effective waste reduction and recycling programs.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Strategies to prepare for and adapt to climate impacts.
Community Involvement
The jury praised Guimarães for its collaborative approach, which integrates citizens, academia, and the private sector. The municipality’s initiative, One Planet City, was recognized for its innovative blend of scientific research and local planning.
Domingos Bragança, the Mayor of Guimarães, expressed gratitude to the local community for their involvement in achieving this success. He emphasized the importance of collective action in pursuing sustainability, stating, “No policy can succeed without the community walking together towards sustainability.”
Recognition of Other Cities
While Guimarães took the top honor, Águeda also shone in the competition by winning the European Green Leaf award, which recognizes smaller cities with populations between 20,000 and 100,000.
Guimarães’ recognition as the European Green Capital for 2026 marks a significant milestone in its journey towards environmental excellence, setting a benchmark for other cities to follow in the pursuit of sustainability and ecological responsibility.
