Italy’s Lombardy region has won the 2026 Sustainable Development Award, becoming the only Italian region to receive the recognition, promoted by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in partnership with Ecomondo.
The award recognizes Lombardy’s environmental policies and its Integrated Regional Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation (Siracc), a comprehensive plan comprising 87 concrete actions designed to strengthen the region’s response to climate challenges.
The strategy marks a shift from managing climate-related emergencies after they occur towards establishing a broader culture of prevention and preparedness.
The award was presented to Giorgio Maione, Lombardy’s Councillor for Environment and Climate, at an event attended by Piero Frazzi, president of the Lombardy Foundation for the Environment (FLA).
Maione: Award Confirms Lombardy’s Environmental Leadership
Commenting on the recognition, Maione said being the only region to receive the award at one of the sector’s leading international events was a source of great pride and confirmed that Lombardy was pursuing the right approach.
The award, he added, reinforces the region’s national and European leadership in environmental policies and demonstrates that environmental protection and economic development are not conflicting objectives.
Institutional Meetings Focus on Ecological Transition
During Ecomondo 2026, Maione also took part in a series of strategic meetings with representatives of Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, authorities from the Po Basin territories, and representatives of the business and production sectors.
The meetings aimed to promote constructive dialogue on the most effective ways to implement the ecological transition and strengthen cooperation among regional authorities and economic stakeholders.
Lombardy Takes Part in Two Climate and Air Quality Conferences
Ecomondo 2026 continues in the Italian city of Rimini until November 6, with Lombardy taking part in two major conferences addressing climate adaptation and air pollution.
The first conference, titled “The Changing Climate: Are Territories Ready? Climate Change Strategies and Actions: The National Outlook and Lombardy’s Experience,” will examine policies and tools for adapting to climate change.
It will also provide an opportunity to compare experiences across Italian regions and explore strategies for strengthening the resilience of local communities and territories to climate impacts.
Participants are expected to include Giorgio Maione, Councillor for Environment and Climate; Paolo Franco, Councillor for Housing and Social Housing; Stefano Clerici, Director General of the Lombardy Foundation for the Environment; Giacomo Basaglia Cosentino, Vice-President of the Lombardy Regional Council; and Riccardo Pase, Vice-President of the Environment, Energy, Climate and Civil Protection Committee.
The second conference, titled “Air Quality: Challenges, Scenarios and Strategies,” will focus on measures implemented by regions across the Po Basin to combat air pollution and ensure compliance with the limit values established under European legislation.
Discussions will address the challenges posed by the targets set out in the new European Air Quality Directive, with particular attention to the role of technological innovation and scientific research in developing more effective solutions to improve air quality.
