On Thursday 21 February, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region was awarded with the “2018 Marianne d'or “ for sustainable development.

The award was handed over to Etienne Blanc, Senior Vice-President of the Region, and Eric Fournier, Vice-President in charge of Environment and Sustainable Development, Energy and Regional Natural Parks. This prize recognizes "an exemplary of the region in supporting of an innovative ecological transition". The Marianne d'Or for sustainable development is a "concrete indicator of field initiatives settled by motivated policy makers, private companies and engaged citizens" the committee points out. Created in 1984 during the first French decentralization actions, the Marianne d'Or competition is the first civical competition in France, with the objective of disseminating good practices led by local authorities.