Vélez-Málaga Wins ‘Escoba de Platino’ Eco-Award

The Axarquía region, with its sun-drenched coastlines, rolling hills of avocado orchards, and vibrant international community, has long been a jewel of the province of Málaga. However, balancing its rapid appeal with environmental preservation has always required forward-thinking solutions.

In a landmark achievement for local sustainability, Vélez-Málaga has been awarded the prestigious ‘Escoba de Platino’ (Platinum Broom), Spain’s highest environmental accolade. Presented by the Technical Association for Waste Management and Environment (ATEGRUS), this award highlights the municipality’s dedication to revolutionary waste management and water efficiency.

A Milestone for Axarquía’s Green Future

For the large expat community and locals alike who call the Axarquía home, this recognition marks a significant shift toward a greener, more resilient future. The award specifically honors the city’s innovative initiative titled ‘Blue Infrastructure for Green Cities’.

As reported by La Noción following the official presentation in June 2026, the project represents a major paradigm shift. Instead of treating urban waste management and water resources as separate challenges, Vélez-Málaga has successfully integrated them into a cohesive circular economy model.

‘Blue Infrastructure’ Meeting Local Needs

At the heart of the award-winning project is the optimization of scarce resources. Axarquía has historically faced severe challenges with water scarcity, making water conservation a matter of survival rather than just policy.

The ‘Blue Infrastructure for Green Cities’ project targets these challenges through several key pillars:

• Smart Irrigation Systems: Utilizing recycled water and advanced sensor technology to minimize waste across public parks and gardens.
• Circular Economy Integration: Transforming urban organic waste into high-quality compost to nourish local green spaces, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers.
• Modernized Waste Management: Implementing smarter collection routes and updated infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and improve urban cleanliness.

By prioritizing these circular systems, Vélez-Málaga is setting a standard for other coastal municipalities across the Costa del Sol, proving that urban growth does not have to come at the expense of the natural environment.

Why This Matters for the Community

For residents, the benefits of the ‘Escoba de Platino’ extend far beyond a trophy on a town hall shelf. Improved waste management means cleaner streets, fewer pest issues, and more beautifully maintained public parks.

Moreover, the focus on water efficiency directly protects the region’s delicate ecosystem. By reducing the municipal draw on local reservoirs, the project helps secure a more stable water supply for both agricultural and domestic use—a critical relief for a region where water security is always top of mind.

This prestigious award serves as an encouraging reminder of what can be achieved when local government, modern technology, and community awareness align. As Vélez-Málaga continues to implement these green infrastructures, it paves a hopeful path forward, ensuring that the beautiful landscapes of the Axarquía remain vibrant, clean, and welcoming for generations to come.