The former mayor of Bogota, Enrique Penalosa, was awarded the Gothenburg Prize for Sustainable Development for his design and application of urban development in Colombia’s capital city.

Penalosa’s urban development model includes more public spaces, the Transmilenio, an extensive network of cycle paths, the ‘pico y placa’ system that allows car owners only to use their vehicles on specific days, greater pedestrian access and improved public transport.

The model was recognized as sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Previous winners of the prize include ex-U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Norweigan Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland and the Japanese inventors of an electric car.

This is the first time a Latin American has been awarded the prize. Penalosa will officially receive the award on November 26.

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Ex-Bogota Mayor Wins Environmental Prize