The Green Initiative of a Spanish City
This Spanish city wants to be *'the beacon'* of green policies in Europe this year.
The Greenest City in Europe
The greenest city in Europe has officially upped sticks from the Baltic shores of Estonia to the Spanish Mediterranean.
– *i am Madrid now*
Valencia – European Green Capital 2024
Valencia took over as European Green Capital from Tallinn in a ceremony last week, kickstarting more than 400 sustainable events in 2024.
– The city is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
– Valencia aims to inspire other cities to prioritize green initiatives.
The European Green Capital Award
The award has been running since 2010 – generating some healthy rivalry between big EU cities as they transition to clean energy, better protect nature, and improve the lives of residents.
– The award has been running since 2010
– Generating some healthy rivalry between big EU cities
– Transition to clean energy
– Better protect nature
– Improve the lives of residents
Valencia's Sustainable Achievements
"Valencia has earned the Green Capital title because of its ambitious sustainability strategy, and it has learned from lessons in the past," says EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius.
– Ambitious sustainability strategy
– Learning from past lessons
Valencia's Bold Civic Movement
"For many decades, the city has been driven forward by a bold civic movement that sustains genuine change. People are Valencia's asset."
Why is Valencia Europe's greenest city?
– Valencia holds this title thanks to its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.
– The city has reduced its carbon footprint through various programs and policies.
– Valencia has also prioritized renewable energy sources.
– The beautiful Jardí del Túria park offers residents and visitors a lush green oasis.
– With a focus on biking and public transportation, Valencia promotes eco-friendly modes of transportation.
– Sustainability is at the forefront of Valencia's urban planning, making it a leader in green cities in Europe.
Sustainability Efforts in the Southeastern City
When it comes to greenness, the southeastern city is already starting from a strong base.
– Emphasized text: _greenness_
– Emphasized text: _strong_
Valencia Gardens
Valencia boasts over two million square metres of gardens, making it a popular tourist destination for the rest of Europe. Just 10 kilometres south of the centre lies Albufera National Park, a protected lagoon area described as the city's "green lung" by mayor of the Alfafar municipality, Ramón Adsuara.
– Valencia has over two million square metres of gardens.
– Albufera National Park is located 10 kilometres south of the city center.
– Ramón Adsuara described it as the city's "green lung".
Valencia Wins Title in 2024
"But it's what you do with *what you've got* that counts – and that has earned Valencia title position in 2024, beating co-finalist Cagliari in Italy."
– Valencia emerges as the champion in 2024
– Defeated co-finalist Cagliari
– Achieved title position through hard work and dedication
Valencia's Environmental Achievement
Valencia's motto is 'On a Mission Together' and city authorities were praised by the Commission for working with residents to reach their climate neutrality and environmental goals.
– Valencia's motto: 'On a Mission Together'
– City authorities praised for their collaboration with residents
– Achievement: Climate neutrality and environmental goals
Green Initiatives for Carbon Neutrality
As part of its mission to become carbon neutral by 2030, a number of green initiatives are being piloted across the city.
– Implementing sustainable transportation options
– Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings
– Promoting the use of renewable energy sources
These initiatives are crucial in <i>advancing</i> the city's commitment to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future.
Sustainable Initiatives in Cabanyal District
Many of them are found in the Cabanyal district, historically home to the local fishing community. In the 3,500 metre-squared Cabanyal Municipal Market for example, air conditioning is now being supplied by rooftop solar panels.
– The Cabanyal district
– Historically home to the local fishing community
– 3,500 metre-squared Cabanyal Municipal Market
– Air conditioning supplied by rooftop solar panels
Socialised Solar Plant in Las Naves, Valencia
Nearby in Las Naves, Valencia's first *'socialised solar plant'* is around 80 per cent funded by individual citizens, who each chipped in between €100 and €2,000 for a stake in the renewable energy generator.
– Location: Las Naves, Valencia
– Funding: 80% by individual citizens
– Investment: €100 to €2,000 per person
Green Initiatives in the City
Other green initiatives include smart lighting along the seafront, where more than 20,000 lamp posts have been fitted with energy saving technology. Lamp posts are also doubling up as EV charging points, under support from the EU-funded MAtchUP project.
– Smart lighting along the seafront
– Energy-saving technology in lamp posts
– Lamp posts serving as EV charging points
How is Valencia getting even greener?
– <i>Valencia</i> has been making significant strides in sustainability efforts.
– <strong>Green rooftops</strong> are being installed on many buildings.
– <strong>Public transportation</strong> is being expanded to reduce car emissions.
– <strong>Renewable energy sources</strong> are being increasingly utilized.
– <strong>Waste management</strong> programs are being improved.
– <strong>Bike-sharing programs</strong> are being introduced to encourage eco-friendly transportation options.
Opening Ceremony in Valencia
"Today we take the baton from Tallinn and we do it with great strength," the Mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, said during the opening ceremony at the city's Palau de la Música on 11 January.
– Tallinn
– Valencia
– María José Catalá
– Palau de la Música
Valencia's Green Initiative
– It begins a year in which more than 400 activities will be held, where Valencia will be the beacon of green policies in Europe to build a more humane, more sustainable and more prepared to combat climate change city.
Valencia's Green Capital Program
Valencia's event programme indicates what some of those activities will be. Though, as we found from our visit to Tallinn in autumn, it can take a year to see how green capital status fully delivers. Here are some of the flagship projects we know about so far:
– *Project 1*: Implementing sustainable transportation initiatives
– *Project 2*: Creating green spaces in urban areas
– *Project 3*: Promoting renewable energy solutions
– *Project 4*: Enhancing waste management practices
– *Project 5*: Educating the community on environmental preservation efforts
Let's look forward to the positive impacts these projects will have on Valencia's journey towards a greener future.
Safeguarding the Albufera park
– The Albufera park is a crucial ecosystem in Spain.
– <i>Preserving its delicate balance</i> is essential for the environment.
– Measures need to be taken to protect its biodiversity.
By implementing appropriate strategies, we can ensure the longevity of this valuable natural space.
European Green Capital Initiative in Valencia
One of the initiatives in Valencia is to have the Albufera declared a biosphere reserve.
– This action shows the commitment to preserving the environment.
– It aims to protect the unique ecosystem of the Albufera.
– The designation would ensure sustainable development in the area.
Exploring the Beauty of the National Park
The national park holds Spain’s largest freshwater lagoon; home (at times) to 300 different species of birds, especially waterfowl including *flamingos*.
– Birdwatching: Witness 300 different species of birds
– Special Species: Keep an eye out for flamingos in the lagoon
Special Protection Area Upgraded to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
It's been a Special Protection Area for 30 years, but becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve would grant it even greater sanctity as a *'learning place for sustainable development'*.
– Protection as a UNESCO biosphere reserve for sustainable development
This upgrade marks a significant step towards preserving the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
New green routes in Valencia
– The city of Valencia has recently introduced <strong>exciting new routes</strong> for walking and cycling enthusiasts to explore.
– These <strong>green routes</strong> are designed to provide residents and tourists with <i>new opportunities</i> to enjoy the city's natural beauty.
– Whether you prefer <i>strolling through parks</i> or embarking on <i>challenging cycling adventures</i>, Valencia has something for everyone.
– Don't miss out on these <strong>wonderful green routes</strong> during your next visit to Valencia!
Valencia's New Routes
Valencia has designed three new routes to showcase the city's assets and progress in three key areas:
– nature, including *Albufera*
– sustainable mobility, with greater promotion of public transport, cycling, and walking
– the recovery of public space for citizen's enjoyment
The Green River
The first new route is called the green river and it covers the nine kilometres of the Turia Garden – one of Spain's largest urban parks which tracks the former Turia riverbed. It's described as a *"healthy backbone"* with clear climate strengths: staying three degrees cooler than other areas of the city, while acting as a natural sponge that retains and filters water to the subsoil – thus preventing floods and erosion.
– It covers nine kilometers of the Turia Garden.
– One of Spain's largest urban parks.
– Tracks the former Turia riverbed.
– Acts as a natural sponge.
– Prevents floods and erosion.
Walking Tour in Valencia
The second route takes walkers through the centre, across squares and pedestrianised streets that showcase Valencia's commitment to sustainable mobility.
– Explore the city centre
– Wander through squares
– Walk on pedestrianised streets
Route 3: Exploring Valencia's Natural Pantries
Route 3 encompasses the city's "three natural pantries": a peri-urban orchard, the fish-stocked Mediterranean sea, and Albufera with its surrounding rice fields, where paella was first cooked up.
– A peri-urban orchard
– The fish-stocked Mediterranean sea
– Albufera with its surrounding rice fields
Valencia's Climate Summit
Also on Valencia's busy schedule is a climate summit it is planning to host, bringing together more than 200 European cities to catalyse the continent's move to climate neutrality.
– Host: Valencia
– Participants: 200+ European cities
Funding for Green Initiatives in Valencia
Valencia will receive €350,000 from the EU to put towards its green efforts this year.
– Amount: €350,000
– Source: EU
Next Host City for 2026
Vilnius takes the mantle next year, and the 2026 place is still open for entries – with a 30 April 2024 deadline and more information [here](#).
– Vilnius
– 2026
– 30 April 2024
