Joining the ranks of Vienna, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Prague, Krakow, and other green European capitals is now Varaždin. This new recognition honors a city that, through its parks and green spaces, promotes sustainability, the beauty of nature, and awareness of the importance of greenery for our environment and health.
The European City of the Trees Award (ECTA) is given by the European Arboricultural Council since 2007 to cities that demonstrate outstanding quality in urban tree management according to professional standards.
According to the jury’s official statement, Varaždin earned the title European City of Trees 2024 through its proactive management, strategic planning, community involvement, long-term dedication, and innovative collaborations—far exceeding the award’s criteria. The city’s comprehensive approach to tree management, combined with educational efforts and active community engagement, represents a model example of urban tree stewardship. Varaždin’s practices demonstrate a genuine understanding of the benefits of trees, from their ecological role to their cultural significance.
Varaždin has long been a city rich in greenery. Interestingly, as early as 1859, three years before Vienna and 34 years before Zagreb, Varaždin employed its first official gardener. Varaždin will also be the first city in Croatia to develop a City Strategy for Tree Planning and Management, currently in preparation, which will include a long-term vision for tree stewardship, concrete goals, tasks, and methods for achieving them.
The award will be officially presented to Varaždin in June at the annual assembly of the European Arboricultural Council.
