Audience prize added to the European Natura 2000 Award – apply now for 2015!

Today, the European Commission launches the second edition of the EU Natura 2000 Award. Any organisation or person involved in the Natura 2000 network is invited to submit an application by 21 January 2015. adelphi continues to support the Commission in conceptionalising and implementing the competition.

After a highly successful first competition in 2014, next year’s Award will once again honour outstanding nature conservation achievements connected to the Natura 2000 network. Any organisation or person involved in the network – such as regional and local authorities, businesses, NGOs, land owners, educational institutions or individuals – is invited to submit an application by 21 January 2015.

In 2015, the general public can also get involved in the European Natura 2000 Award process. Every citizen of the European Union can vote for applications from any of the following five existing categories: Communication, Conservation, Socio-Economic Benefits, Reconciling Interests/Perceptions, and Cross-border Cooperation and Networking. The initiative with the most votes across all categories will be awarded with the newly-created "EU Citizens' Award". All winners will be honoured at a high-level ceremony in Brussels on 21 May 2015, Natura 2000 Day.

Natura 2000 is a network of over 27.000 protected sites of high biodiversity value. It covers 18 per cent of the EU landmass and four per cent of marine areas, protecting and enhancing Europe’s valuable and threatened natural heritage. The European Natura 2000 Award recognises excellence in the network’s site management and highlights the most effective and innovative initiatives, showcasing the value of this diverse and precious network for local communities and economies.

The application form and more information can be sourced from the Award’s website. Please also sign up to receive the award newsletter: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/awards/index_en.htm