The City of Joondalup has claimed two major honours at the 2024 International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) World Green City Awards.
The City was announced as winner of the Living Green for Water category, ahead of Riyadh City – capital of Saudi Arabia – and another Saudi city, Unaizah.
The award recognises Joondalup’s commitment to building a more liveable and resilient City in the context of a changing climate.
The City was also announced as the inaugural AIPH Youth Award winner for its efforts to support, engage, collaborate with, and provide green urban environments creating opportunities for youth in social, recreational and sporting activities.
Entries were open to government authorities worldwide, with category finalists representing countries including China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Romania, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and Kenya.
Managing and caring for nearly 400 parks, natural areas and public open spaces central to the wellbeing of its residents and the wider community, Joondalup focuses on improving water efficiency, ecological health and visual amenity, and creating places for the community to enjoy.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said these efforts have been celebrated on the global stage at the AIPH awards.
“For a decade now, Joondalup’s Climate Change Strategy has guided our City’s approach to mitigating the effects of climate change and increasing resilience,” Mayor Jacob said.
“The City makes it a priority to increase our tree canopy cover, use water resources effectively and provide opportunities for our community to be more waterwise.
“Our initiatives are helping to create cooler, more inviting green urban spaces within the City.
“Other positive environmental effects include reduced ambient air temperature and cleaner air through absorption of polluting gases, reduced cooling energy consumption costs, and water savings through reduced evaporation rates.
“We have increased habitat for wildlife, more aesthetically pleasing streetscapes, improved community amenities including safer walking environments and shading, and improved community health and wellbeing.
“The City’s new draft Climate Change Plan 2024-2034 has just been released for community consultation, and we are delighted that our hard work in addressing the effects of climate change have been recognised at the AIPH World Green City Awards.”
The AIPH World Green City Awards showcase bold and inspiring urban greening initiatives by cities from around the world, all of whom are leading the way in shaping a greener urban future, with the next edition of the awards to be held in 2026.
