The 2018 Natura 2000 Award Ceremony took place on 17 May 2018 in the Berlaymont building, Brussels. Commissioner Vella and members of the high level jury revealed the winners.

And the winners are…

Conservation Award
Partnership to stop the poisoning of imperial eagles – Hungary

Communication Award
Natura 2000: Connecting people with biodiversity – Spain

Socio-Economic Benefits
LIFE to alvars: restoration and grazing reintroduction for 2500 hectares of Estonian alvar grassland – Estonia

Reconciling Interests/Perception
Co-existing with bears in the 21st century: Difficulties and achievements – Greece

Cross-border Cooperation and Networking
Joint conservation efforts across three continents to save the sacred bird – Greece and Bulgaria

European Citizens’ Award
School of Nature – Portugal

The Ceremony was a vibrant event, with representatives of all the finalists, jury members, evaluators, members of the press, EC representatives, EU-wide environmental NGOs, national/regional environmental NGOs, institutes and universities and permanent representatives of the EU Member States and Regions.

Video, pictures and press release from the event.

The Natura 2000 Award

The Natura 2000 Award is 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 are working tirelessly on making Natura 2000 an operational success whilst drawing public attention to its substantial achievements.

Previous Awards

The first three years of the Natura 2000 Award 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 2016, 2015 and 2014 and find out more about their impressive achievements.