PLANET AQUA CITY AWARDS
Recognising cities leading the future of water resilience
/ Application deadline: 30 april 2026
Water is at the heart of the climate challenge
From floods and droughts to sea-level rise and water scarcity, cities across the world are facing increasing risks linked to climate change. At the same time, cities are also becoming laboratories of innovation where new solutions for water resilience are being designed, tested and scaled.
The Planet Aqua City Awards celebrate cities that are developing impactful and forward-looking solutions to protect water systems, communities and ecosystems. Developed in collaboration with C40 Cities, the awards aim to highlight the leadership of cities that are advancing climate adaptation through integrated, inclusive and innovative water strategies.
WHY THE PLANET AQUA AWARDS
Cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Water-related risks – flooding, drought, coastal erosion and water insecurity – already affect millions of urban residents. Addressing these challenges requires new approaches that combine infrastructure, nature-based solutions, governance innovation and community engagement.
The Planet Aqua City Awards recognise cities that are demonstrating leadership in this transformation. Through this initiative, Venice Climate Week seeks to create a global platform for cities committed to protecting water systems and building climate-safe futures.
The Planet Aqua City Awards recognise cities that are demonstrating leadership in this transformation. Through this initiative, Venice Climate Week seeks to create a global platform for cities committed to protecting water systems and building climate-safe futures.
The awards aim to:
celebrate innovative and impactful urban projects
encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing among cities
inspire replication of successful solutions worldwide
strengthen international collaboration on water resilience
AWARD CATEGORIES
Frontline Protection
This category recognises cities that have implemented effective early warning and preparedness systems to protect communities exposed to flooding and drought.
Eligible initiatives may include data-driven monitoring systems, community alert platforms, and emergency response frameworks designed to reduce climate risks and safeguard vulnerable populations.
Equitable Universal Access
This award celebrates cities expanding equitable access to safe and reliable water services.
Projects may address water efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, sustainable supply systems or initiatives that improve access for underserved communities.
Flood Protection
This category recognises innovative approaches to urban flood management.
Projects may include stormwater management systems, nature-based solutions, river restoration, or hybrid infrastructure strategies that reduce flood risks while enhancing ecosystem health and urban livability.
Coastal and Delta Resilience
This award recognises cities developing integrated adaptation strategies in response to sea-level rise, coastal erosion and salinisation.
Projects may include coastal ecosystem restoration, integrated land–sea planning, adaptive infrastructure or monitoring systems designed to strengthen long-term resilience.
KEY INFO ABOUT THE AWARD
Who can apply?
The call is open to cities worldwide.
Applications must be submitted by:
- city governments
- municipal departments
- official city agencies responsible for the project
What kind of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects must:
- have started implementation in 2016 or later
- demonstrate measurable impact or clear results
- address water-related climate challenges
- show evidence of innovation, scalability, or community engagement
Cities may submit one project per category.
How does the selection process work?
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts from C40 Cities, Venice Climate Week, and external specialists in urban climate resilience.
What criteria will projects be evaluated on?
Projects will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Impact and effectiveness
- Innovation and replicability
- Inclusiveness and community engagement
- Long-term sustainability
Three finalists will be selected for each category.
HOW TO APPLY
Cities from around the world are invited to apply to the Planet Aqua City Awards by submitting projects that contribute to water resilience, climate adaptation, and equitable access. Eligible projects must have started implementation in 2016 or later and applications must be submitted by a relevant department within the city administration.
All applications will be reviewed by experts from C40 Cities and partner organisations. A shortlist of finalists will be announced ahead of the awards ceremony, where one winner per category will be selected.
Applicants can also download the application criteria to better understand the evaluation process and requirements.
Download the application form, review the criteria, complete your submission, and send it to jwells@c40.org to apply.
KEY DATES
/ Call for nominations opens
March 2026
/ Application deadline
30 April 2026
/ Finalists announcement
May 2026
/ Awards ceremony
Venice Climate Week – June 2026
PARTNERS
