At the 13th Annual Advisory Forum of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Budapest, Hungary, from September 25 to 27, 2024, the European Cemeteries Route received the Best Practice Award 2024.

This award was given for the project titled "Week of Discovering European Cemeteries: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change" that aimed to highlight cemeteries as green spaces and foster sustainable practices.

It involved over 30 events across 22 cemeteries in seven European countries. Members of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) and the European Cemeteries Route organized guided tours, exhibitions, and workshops, all focusing on sustainable development.

For more information about the award ceremony and the other winners, read the full article HERE.

"European Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe" initiative

The theme for WDEC 2024 was developed as part of the ASCE initiative "Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe", which was launched in 2024 to promote the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This long-term initiative reflects ASCE and European Cemeteries Route commitment to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices within cemeteries.