València is "European Green Capital" 2024
The Spanish city of València was officially named European Green Capital 2024 last week. To celebrate this achievement, a total of over 400 activities and events are planned, which should reach all sectors of the city, from professionals in the fields of sustainability, production and business to the inhabitants of València. The aim is to raise awareness of the triple crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change and empower people to take action to tackle it.
"València has earned the title of Green Capital"
According to the Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, and further:
"València has earned the title of Green Capital thanks to its ambitious sustainability strategy and has learned from past experience. For many decades, the city has been driven by a courageous citizens' movement that supports real change. The people are València's capital . This year, we will improve the citizens' experience and support them even more in bringing about the change we all need for a better future."
On a mission together
València's motto is "Together on a mission", and the city council is working with residents to achieve its climate neutrality and environmental goals. The city places great emphasis on people and effectively combines the management of environmental and social challenges. This has made it a pioneer in the transition to sustainability and a source of inspiration for other European cities.
The green city
València is green. The former drained riverbed of the Turia has been transformed into a 9-kilometer-long Mediterranean forest with sports and leisure facilities.
València's "Parque Central" offers around 10 hectares of greenery.
On the outskirts, the Spanish environmental capital has two nature parks that are easily accessible both by public transport and by bicycle. L'Albufera Natural Park is a lake that offers refuge to thousands of birds and serves as a roost for flamingos, especially in winter. It has been designated a special protection area for birds (SPA) since 1994.
The city is surrounded by 120 km2 of fertile vegetable and fruit gardens, which are not only exported but also supply the local restaurants and markets:the Huerta
Title Sustainable Urban Food Capital
València was named Sustainable Urban Food Capital in 2017. Valencia describes itself as "a city that has considered agriculture one of its greatest values for many centuries. Our irrigation system dates back to the time when the Arabs were settled in our territory. We are a city that cares about its huerta - a fruit-growing area that surrounds the city - which was in danger of falling victim to the pressure of predatory urban policies."
Countless Markets in València offer seasonal and regional products. The photo shows the roof of the "Mercado Colon". The city provides a space, La Tira de Contar, for the small farmers of the Valencian orchard (L'Huerta) to sell their products directly to the population. On the official website of València you will find the most important markets and short descriptions plus their opening times and how to reach them by public transport. This website offers a lot of information for tourists.
The World Sustainable Urban Food Center (CEMAS)
The World Sustainable Urban Food Centre (CEMAS) in La Marina in València is a facility developed in partnership between València City Council and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Its main task is in two areas: Knowledge management and communication. On the one hand, CEMAS aims to manage knowledge about programs, projects and actions for sustainable nutrition in the urban environment. This includes the evaluation of measures to combat malnutrition, food production or the prevention of food waste. On the other hand, CEMAS must communicate and disseminate relevant information and data on sustainable food and nutrition in order to reach the media and public opinion.
