European Green Capital 2020 and European Green Leaf 2019 Award

About 70 per cent of Europeans now live in towns and cities and this number is predicted to rise. Urban areas are therefore affected by most of our social and environmental challenges, while also being committed to resolving them. Finding a way to make the most of our cities' diverse cultural heritage plays an important role in overcoming this challenge. For instance, tourism, if not managed well, can have adverse long term effects and negatively impact quality of life.

The "European Green Capital" and "European Green Leaf" (for smaller cities) Awards showcase cities that have made outstanding progress in reconciling environmental, social and economic pressures. The winners are inspiring role models. Take Essen, 2017's European Green Capital. Up to 1986, a total of 240 million tonnes of coal had been produced in the city's Zollverein Coal Mine. Today, this industrial monument is a UNESCO-heritage site, attracting some 1.5 million visitors, while its park provides rich biodiversity in the city thus contributing to citizens' well-being.

Professor Dr. Manfred Fischedick (Vice-President of the Wuppertal Institute) will participate in the award ceremony as a member of the Green Capital Expert Group. Further information can be found under the link below.