European Natura 2000 Award

Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, said:

The Natura 2000 network covers thousands of kilometres across Europe. Protecting and restoring Europe’s nature means investing  in our quality of life, for us and future generations. All over the EU, inspiring initiatives which often involve young people, farmers, NGOs and fishers are committed to this hugely important task. The 27 finalists of the 2024 edition of the Natura 2000 Award are fine examples of this: inspiring approaches that animate the Natura 2000 network and confirm it as lively evidence of Europe's commitment to nature conservation.

Are you curious about how the finalists are contributing? Discover the finalists on the dedicated finalists page – see where the finalists are working, read in more detail about their achievements, and check out their photos and videos. Perhaps there’s a finalist near you!

While a high-level jury decides on the winners for the five Award categories, it’s you who decides on the winner of the coveted European Citizens’ Award! Cast your vote up until 23:59 CEST on 25 April 2024. Your vote matters!

VOTE NOW!

On land or sea, in floodplains or mountain meadows, Natura 2000 heroes work across Europe to protect and restore our nature. Let’s give them a shout-out for their incredible work and share the public vote! Not convinced yet? Here are three reasons to spread the word about your favourite finalist:

1. Support conservation efforts! The Natura 2000 network is key to protecting nature and maintaining our ecosystems. Spreading the word about the finalists helps to raise awareness about the importance of their conservation efforts.
2. Start a conversation on why nature matters! Share the public vote and kick-start a conversation with your networks, colleagues and friends about the many ways that we can contribute to protecting our biodiversity.
3. Celebrate success! Celebrate the people and initiatives that fill the Natura 2000 network with life and help them to get the recognition they deserve. 

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