Commission launches EU conservation award

The European commission is calling for organisations involved with Natura 2000 sites to enter its new awards celebrating best practice in protecting biodiversity

The Natura 2000 awards are open to any public, private or third-sector organisation directly involved with special areas of conservation and special protection areas, as classified under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.

The new awards aim to improve public awareness of these conservation areas, which cover 20% of the EU, and highlight the work being undertaken to protect important habitats and species.

The commission has set five award categories – covering communication; conservation actions; socioeconomic benefits; reconciling interests/perceptions; and networking and cross-border cooperation – and is urging organisations to come forward with examples of successful projects from the last five years.

Each of the applications will be assessed on the project’s originality, effectiveness and durability, as well as their cost-benefit and ability to be replicated at other sites.

Organisations have until 18 February 2014 to apply and the awards will be presented at a ceremony in Brussels in May 2014.

For more information on the awards and how to apply visit: ec.europa.eu