26 May 2026
The Green Flag Award is proud to reveal the winners of its first ever International Best of the Best – a brand-new initiative designed to celebrate the inspiring people and innovative projects from parks and green spaces around the globe!
Created to highlight the very ‘best of the best’ from across the 20 countries outside the UK that now fly the Green Flag Award, these awards recognise the extraordinary dedication of parks professionals and the groundbreaking projects that keep our world’s green spaces thriving.
An expert jury comprised of experienced Green Flag Award judges from the UK, Europe and USA had the difficult task of selecting winners from a field of world-class nominations. After much deliberation, we are delighted to announce the four winners who exemplify international best practice in parks management.
*Please note - the International Best of the Best awards were not open to UK applicants. A seperate award nomination process was conducted for UK only in November 2025. For the results of those awards, please see the news article here.
Team of the Year
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Department of Parks and Gardens – Kültürpark, Turkey
In the challenging environment of a historically protected site, the team at Kültürpark has demonstrated incredible agility. The jury highlighted their success in bridging the gap between different city departments, ensuring a shared vision for Kültürpark’s future. The jury was particularly impressed by their embrace of data-driven master planning for longer term change, alongside the use of technology to address immediate challenges. For example, their use of seismic sensors for palm tree pest control, showcased how technology and traditional knowledge can work hand-in-hand.
Employee of the Year
Gail Hering – Head Gardener, Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, USA
Gail Hering’s 26-year legacy at Seward Park stood out to the jury as a masterclass in long-term commitment. Her work at the Audubon Center’s native plant demonstration garden is more than just horticulture; it is a model of management that balances aesthetic beauty with creative planting of endemic species. Gail’s expertise has even influenced the City of Seattle’s wider Native Plant Policy, proving that the passion of one individual can impact an entire city’s landscape.
Best Habitat / Biodiversity Project
Habitat Restoration and Education at Ballycroy Visitor Centre – Wild Nephin National Park, Ireland
Despite the challenge of multiple staff changes over a seven-year period, the team at Wild Nephin National Park stayed the course, delivering a suite of new habitats that have led to a staggering 33% increase in visitor numbers. By bringing the landscape to life through environmental education, they have empowered thousands of young people to become champions for biodiversity.
Best Local Community / Grassroots Project
A favourite among the jury, this project proves that you don't need a big budget to achieve big results. The ‘Schools for Trees’ initiative anchors environmental stewardship in the next generation by having students return to the park to care for the very trees they planted. It is an innovative, low-cost model for building future environmental stewards while restoring the native flora and fauna of this iconic New Zealand landscape.
Learn from the best
To celebrate these achievements and share their success with the wider industry, we’ll be taking a closer look at each winner over the next couple of weeks. A dedicated case study will be published about each of our winners on our website, with direct links shared on our LinkedIn. Be sure to follow us there to catch every update and find inspiration for your own Green Flag Award site!
Congratulations to all our winners for leading the way in global park excellence!
