As part of the sustainability legacy of the 20th Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) in cooperation with the City of Taranto inaugurated the first-ever Mediterranean Athletes’ Forest in a special ceremony held alongside the Stadio Iacovone.

The initiative brought together representatives of the ICMG, local authorities and athletes from across the Mediterranean region in a symbolic tree-planting event that reflects the commitment of the Mediterranean Games Family to environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

The ceremony was attended by the ICMG 1st Vice President Acting as President, Mehrez Boussayene, the Secretary General of the ICMG, Iakovos Filippousis, and the Mayor of Taranto, Pietro Bitetti. They were joined by medal winners from the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games and also the people participating in the ICMG Mediterranean Youth Ambassadors Programme, representing Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Albania and Slovenia.

The Athletes’ Forest is a flagship project of the ICMG Sustainability Programme, which places environmental stewardship at the heart of the Mediterranean Games and seeks to create meaningful and lasting benefits for host cities. Rooted in the values of respect, excellence and solidarity that unite the 26 members of the Mediterranean Games Family, the initiative transforms sporting achievement into a living legacy for future generations.

The first olive trees were planted during the ceremony, marking the beginning of a wider urban green intervention designed to improve the local microclimate around Taranto’s main stadium and strengthen the city’s resilience against climate change. Additional trees will be planted in November, further expanding the forest and reinforcing its role as a permanent green landmark for the city.

Speaking at the event, ICMG Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis said:

“With the Athletes’ Forest, we are planting the values of the Mediterranean Games into the soil of Taranto. Every tree stands for an athlete, for a Member NOC of our Family, and for the shared future we are committed to safeguarding – a future in which sport and the environment grow together.”

The Mediterranean Athletes’ Forest represents a tangible and enduring legacy of Taranto 2026. Beyond the medals and sporting achievements, it demonstrates how major sporting events can contribute to healthier, greener and more sustainable communities.

The ICMG intends to replicate this initiative in future host cities of the Mediterranean Games and Mediterranean Beach Games, ensuring that each edition leaves behind a visible environmental legacy and a lasting symbol of the Mediterranean sport movement’s commitment to sustainability.