Maia and Matosinhos were awarded the distinction Bandeira Verde ECO XXI in the area of sustainability results achieved between 70 and 80%
The award is given by the European Blue Flag Association (ABAE).
In 2022, 59 municipalities (19% of Portuguese municipalities) will apply for the ECOXXI Green Flag, one of the largest participations recorded throughout the 16 editions of the Programme.
In the 2022 edition, 54 ECOXXI Green Flags were awarded (91.5% of participating municipalities), with the following municipalities in the "TOP 10": Pombal, Santo Tirso, Torres Vedras, Águeda, Braga, Oeiras, Sintra, Lousã, Leiria and Valongo.
In the Porto district, seven municipalities were distinguished, among them Maia, Matosinhos, Póvoa de Varzim, Santo Tirso and Valongo, as well as Trofa and Amarante.
The Green Flag identifies and recognises good environmental and social practices in the territory.