The Eco-City - Adaptation of Cities to Climate Change Conference was held in Warsaw, during which local authorities taking real action towards sustainable development were honoured. Among the award-winners was Tarnowskie Góry, which received a distinction in the 'Green and Blue Infrastructure' category. The award was presented by Étienne de Poncins, Ambassador of France in Poland, and Maria Andrzejewska, Director General of UNEP/GRID-Warszawa.

Eco-City is one of the most important events in Poland promoting an ecological approach to urban development. It is organised by the French Embassy in Poland and UNEP/GRID-Warszawa. Every year, awards are given to local governments implementing innovative solutions in areas such as closed-loop economy, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, water management and green-blue infrastructure.

In the latter category, Tarnowskie Góry was recognised for its comprehensive and consistent actions that combine nature with urban space. The application prepared by the Department of Environmental Protection presented a rich catalogue of initiatives to improve the quality of life of residents and increase the city's resilience to the effects of climate change.

These included a cyclical Festival of Trees, eco-conferences, the 'Rest in Chestnut Alley'project in Repecki Park and thousands of new plantings of trees, shrubs, perennials and flowers, which have significantly enriched the city's greenery in recent years. One of the key points in the application was the realisation of a mini park on Bolesława Chrobrego Street - a green space of 8,000 m², where more than 1,000 trees, 500 shrubs and an extensive flower meadow were planted.

An award was also given for the Alley of Flowers initiative, created thanks to the Civic Budget. With hundreds of new plantings, it has become one of the most colourful places in the city and at the same time a symbol of the residents' commitment to creating a friendly environment.

The city was also recognised for promoting rainwater retention - almost 300 rainwater tanks with a capacity of 350 litres each have been distributed so far - and for implementing the first green bus stop onPiłsudskiego Street, combining functionality with care for the environment.

Tarnowskie Góry's application also included projects for so-called green acupuncture, i.e. spot greening of urban spaces - from squares to inter-block areas. The city has already developed project documentation and is seeking funds to implement these ideas to make Tarnowskie Góry an even greener and friendlier place to live.

In the "Green and Blue Infrastructure" category, the results were decided by a jury composed of:
- Prof. Dr. Barbara Szymczewska, Advisor on Scientific Excellence, Institute for Urban and Regional Development,
- Dr. Zbigniew Karaczun, Professor at the Department of Environmental Protection and Dendrology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences,
- Dr. Piotr Mikołajczyk, Chief Specialist on Environment and Biodiversity, UNEP/GRID-Warszawa Centre.

During the ceremony, the French Ambassador to Poland, Étienne de Poncins, emphasised that this year we received as many as 48 nominations, including an application from Tarnowskie Góry. - He said. Each of the projects presented today is a step towards the future - and an example for other cities, he added.

It's not the first time we've been at this conference, but it's the first time we've returned to Tarnowskie Góry with this prestigious award," said Vice-Mayor Bartosz Skawiński, receiving the prize. What we do makes sense - and this assessment is external. We're a small town in Upper Silesia, but we're the example to follow.

We are pleased that our work has been recognised. It's a huge motivation for us to keep going. We are not stopping - further pro-ecological initiatives are ahead of us, which will serve the inhabitants and the environment. - added Adam Mrugacz, Head of the Environmental Protection Department.

The award for Tarnowskie Góry is not only a symbol of recognition, but also an inspiration for further action. It shows that even smaller towns and cities can effectively combine sustainable development with care for the environment and create spaces that are conducive to both nature and residents.