The applications received truly reflect the breadth and diversity of Natura 2000’s impact across Europe. They highlight initiatives in an array of impressive best-practice conservation and restoration initiatives. The applications also demonstrate the creativity and adaptiveness of European organisations and citizens in addressing the increasing challenges faced by European nature. The approaches showcased in the 2024 applications include – to mention but a few - eco-tourism, agri-environmental payments scheme, collaboration with clothing brand, eco-defence action and campaigns, voluntary nature contracts, awareness-raising, as well as the development of monitoring, information and citizen science schemes.

These numerous initiatives involve a wide-range of stakeholders – as well as local, regional and national government, and environmental NGOs, they include community organisations, volunteers, people with disabilities, electricity and mining companies, schools, leisure groups (such as anglers and divers) and social groups like scouts.  The applications also present collaborative partnerships including public-private partnerships and cross-border projects involving several countries.

The Award - now in its seventh 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.