News

8 December 2014

Natura 2000 Award 2015 opens for applications

The 2015 instalment of the Natura 2000 Award is open for applications, celebrating and promoting best practices for nature conservation in Europe. The award was first launched by the European Commission in 2014 in the framework of Natura 2000, the EU-wide network of nature protection areas established under the 1992 Habitats Directive. The network’s overall goal is to assure 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.

From bird conservation in Bulgaria, to educating citizens in the Czech Republic, the inaugural 2014 Natura 2000 Award highlighted examples of different actors across Europe investing in nature in effective and innovative ways. The 2014 award received 163 applications, with five winners announced at a Ceremony in Brussels (Belgium) in May.

For next year’s instalment, nominees may submit applications in any or all of the five categories: conservation, socio-economic benefits, communication, reconciling interests/perceptions, and networking and cross-border cooperation. Applications are assessed on effectiveness, originality, durability, cost-benefit, and replicability. Those interested can apply until 21 January 2015. A list of finalists will be made public in April.

For more information, download the guidelines or visit the Natura 2000 Award website.