Forty applications have been received for the 2022 edition, featuring activities in 15 countries across five categories.

The applications truly showcase the breadth and diversity of Natura 2000. They highlight initiatives in various habitats including protected forests, alluvial wetlands, grasslands and coastal dunes and lagoons - even underground habitats! They examine conservation actions for many different species, including Europe’s smallest passerine bird, through a rare and unusual aquatic salamander, to majestic Imperial eagles, iconic brown bears and threatened loggerhead sea turtles.

We can also discover numerous management approaches. These include best-practice conservation projects, as well as initiatives tackling invasive alien species and removing barriers to migratory fish. A number of applications focus on communicating about Natura 2000 – for example through exhibitions and retrospectives - whereas others deal with ecotourism, high-tech solutions to nature conservation, or solutions involving less typical stakeholders such as entrepreneurs.

Search on the specially designed map to discover applications from nearby and further afield - see where the applications are located, read in more detail about the activities carried out and check out their photos and videos.

All applications are currently being assessed by a team of independent evaluators. The finalists will be announced on 25 February 2022 when you’ll be able to vote for your favourite among them.

The Award - now in its sixth edition - honours leading nature conservation achievements connected to Europe’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas. The Award is open to any organisation or person involved in Natura 2000, including public and local authorities, businesses, NGOs, landowners, educational institutions and individuals.

Visit the new Award website now!