The City of Johannesburg was among the world's cities who were recognised for their efforts in tackling pressing environmental concerns in the 2008 World's Most Liveable Communities Awards.


The awards are endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme and are hosted annually by LivCom. The UK-based organisation aims to promote the environmental management and community liveability of the world's cities. The 2008 awards took place in Dongguan, China on Monday.

Johannesburg was the only South African and African city to feature among this year's winners taking home a total of five awards. Among these awards was the Criteria Award for Planning for the Future. This is given to the city that best demonstrates the use of sensitive and creative planning techniques for the creation of a sustainable, liveable community.

Johannesburg came third overall in the Whole City Awards for the World's Most Liveable Community with an average daytime population greater than 1 million. South Africa scored just below the Municipality of York, Canada and Jiang Yin, China in this category. Winners were chosen based on an analysis of various criteria including heritage management, community sustainability and environmentally sensitive practice.

Johannesburg's Xtreme Park Makeover in Diepkloof, Soweto came second overall in the Natural Projects category, earning a Gold ranking, while Kliprivier Greening and Rehabilitation Project earned a silver merit award. Cosmo City earned a silver merit ranking in the Built Projects category.

The awards evening saw nearly 50 finalists from five continents competing for the prizes. Commenting on the success of this year's event, Claudette Savaria Chairman of the judging panel said: "The standard of work being done to tackle the major issues we all face is reaching new heights. Municipalities are becoming increasingly well organised in the way they approach environmental problems and many are showing an important lead that others can adapt to their own circumstances and follow."