The Mijas Reforesta programme, run by the Mijas Town Hall, has won the 2026 International Blue Flag Award for Best Practice in the Northern Hemisphere International Evaluation, ahead of marine education projects in Friluftsrådet (Denmark) and hydroponic gardens in Los Cabos (Mexico).
Specifically, the award recognises the creativity and relevance of an initiative that has seen the planting of over a thousand seedlings of native Mediterranean species cultivated in the municipal nursery, both in the mountains and in coastal areas, with a highly valued educational focus.
As part of the 2026 International Northern Hemisphere Evaluation, Blue Flag International invited organisations to share examples of best practice. The themes for this year’s edition were the promotion of the circular economy and environmental education programmes, the category in which Mijas Reforesta received the accolade.
- Primer Premio Internacional Bandera Azul 2026.
- PRENSA AYTO. MIJAS.
As explained by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), Mijas Reforesta “coordinates reforestation activities in the mountains, coastal dunes and urban green spaces of the municipality, with the aim of strengthening local biodiversity and creating urban forests that act as CO2 sinks”. For the mayoress “this award confirms that the municipality, its environmental bodies, and educational institutions are deeply committed to the care and protection of nature”.
Mijas Reforesta is backed by Mijas Town Hall Environmental Department, WWF, the Eco-school at IES Sierra de Mijas, the Aula del Mar Foundation, Creamar, ARBA, Espacio DRANG and Exploramás, alongside many other local schools. The councillor for the Environment, Marco Cortés (PP), has coordinated the various activities alongside his department.
- La iniciativa también ha incluido talleres sobre la conservación de los ecosistemas marinos.
- ARCHIVO.
Objectives
The mayoress emphasised that the programme’s core objectives have been successfully met, highlighting the promotion of environmental education and active participation, in line with the eco-schools’ philosophy; the conservation and restoration of local ecosystems through reforestation initiatives; and the promotion of changes in attitude and behaviour towards sustainable practices.
“The combination of practical action, learning and interpretive excursions demonstrates that environmental education can bring about lasting changes in attitude, foster sustainable habits, and strengthen the connection with nature and the community”, added Mata.
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