The European Commission is inviting applications for the Natura 2000 award, designed to reward excellence in the management of Natura 2000 sites and showcase the added value of the network for local economies.
It pays tribute to all those who work tirelessly to make Natura 2000 a success whilst drawing public attention to its substantial achievements.
The Natura 2000 network works to ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats, and is the centrepiece of the EU’s nature and biodiversity policy.
The Natura 2000 network works to ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats, and is the centrepiece of the EU’s nature and biodiversity policy.
It is currently made up of over 27,800 sites. In total, it covers almost a fifth of Europe’s land area and almost 10% of the EU marine areas, maksee moring it the largest coordinated network of conservation areas anywhere in the world.
Yet, despite its scale and the wealth of benefits it provides, many Europeans have still not heard of Natura 2000. This is why, in 2014, the European Commission launched the annual European Natura 2000 Award. The aim of the award is to demonstrate what the network is, what it does to preserve Europe’s biodiversity, and how it benefits us all.
How does the Natura 2000 Award work?
How does the Natura 2000 Award work?
Any organisation or individual can apply for an Award, so long as their work is directly linked to one or more Natura 2000 sites. Applicants must fill in a simple online application form and submit it before the deadline on September 30, 2019.
All eligible applications are assessed by an independent team of evaluators, resulting in a list of finalists (see more information about the evaluation process). A high-level Jury will decide on five winners, one for each of the categories. From the finalists, the public will also choose their winner: the Citizens’ Award. In the 2018 Award, over 50,000 citizens voted!
All finalists are invited to the Award Ceremony in Brussels, to be held in May 2020, and the six winners will receive a trophy and a small financial prize. Winners will also receive financial support to organize a promotional event in their country to promote their win and to raise awareness about their achievements on a local and national level.
Who has already won a European Natura 2000 Award?
All finalists are invited to the Award Ceremony in Brussels, to be held in May 2020, and the six winners will receive a trophy and a small financial prize. Winners will also receive financial support to organize a promotional event in their country to promote their win and to raise awareness about their achievements on a local and national level.
Who has already won a European Natura 2000 Award?
The first four editions of the Natura 2000 Award have highlighted the astonishing array of initiatives on and dedication to Natura 2000 management and promotion taking place right across Europe.
Visit the winning sites from 2018, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and find out more about their impressive achievements.
The Benchmarking reports from previous Award editions also include important tips for potential applicants as well as Natura 2000 site managers in general.
Edited by Bouli Hadjioannou
The Benchmarking reports from previous Award editions also include important tips for potential applicants as well as Natura 2000 site managers in general.
Edited by Bouli Hadjioannou
