Estarreja has won the European Green Leaf City 2028 award, a distinction granted by the European Commission that values the municipality's positive evolution in environmental and sustainability matters. The title was announced during the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards ceremony, held in Guimarães on Thursday, the 8th.
The mayor Isabel Simões Pinto, president of the Câmara Municipal de Estarreja, reacted to the achievement by stating, "this is a sign that our strategy has been successful over these more than 20 years. And we are on the right path." Estarreja competed for the title with the Spanish cities of Benidorm and Chiclana de la Frontera, with the award being granted ex aequo with Benidorm.
The European Green Leaf City title recognizes the environmental journey of a municipality marked by its chemical industrial tradition, but also by the natural richness of the Ria de Aveiro and the Baixo Vouga Lagunar. The distinction celebrates the coexistence of economic activity, biodiversity, and communities, in a continuous pursuit of balance between development and nature protection.
According to the Mayor, winning the title can help consolidate the city's position in environmental policies and mobilize the community. "Above all, this title recognizes the work we have been doing over the last 25 years," she stated, highlighting the environmental and social responsibility efforts of companies and community involvement.
Results achieved by Estarreja in air quality, climate change mitigation, promotion of sustainable mobility, energy efficiency, valorization of green and blue spaces, and projects like BioRia and the Municipal Network of Micrereserves were highlighted. The collaborative work with companies, institutions, schools, and citizens was also emphasized.
Isabel Simões Pinto believes the distinction is "an opportunity for us to continue working, to consolidate, and also for the recognition of those who, even today, may not recognize Estarreja as a city that is transforming, that has adapted, and that we want to be prepared for the challenges of the future, in terms of climate adaptation and all the environmental challenges of today."
Estarreja will now prepare to assume the role of European green ambassador in 2028, with a program of initiatives dedicated to biodiversity, environmental education, climate action, and citizen participation.
