The European Natura 2000 Award, which honours leading nature conservation achievements, has opened for a fourth year of applications. Any entity involved in activities related to Natura 2000 can apply to one of the five Award categories. In addition, the high-profile “EU Citizens’ Award” goes to the application receiving the highest number of nominations through a public vote on the Award website. The call for applications will be open until 29 September 2017.
 
The Natura 2000 Award is dedicated to rewarding excellence in the management and promotion of the network and to raising awareness about Natura 2000 and its benefits to European citizens. It also contributes to the fourth priority area of the Commission’s recently adopted Action Plan to improve the protection of nature and biodiversity in the EU, for the benefit of its citizens and the economy.
 
The Action Plan Priority Area “Better communication and outreach, engaging citizens, stakeholders and communities” includes the proclamation of 21 May as European Natura 2000 Day . This special day will be celebrated through hundreds of public events across Europe. On the Natura 2000 day next year, the winner of the Natura 2000 Award will be announced at a special ceremony in the main Commission building, Berlaymont, by Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
 
We would greatly appreciate your support in raising the profile of the Award and Natura 2000 Day and reaching out to all those involved in the Natura 2000 network. We count on you to spread the word so as wide a range of potential applicants as possible are informed and encouraged to apply.
 
For more information on how to apply, please consult the website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/awards/.
For specific questions/suggestions, please contact the Secretariat of the Natura 2000 Award: n2000awards@adelphi.de