European Commission: launch of the 8^th edition of the Natura 2000 Award

The European Commission has opened the eighth edition of the European Natura 2000 Award, which recognises achievements in the conservation and management of sites within the Natura 2000 network, the EU's system of protected land and marine areas.

The Award focuses on initiatives that contribute to biodiversity conservation while generating benefits for local communities, economies and society. Organisations and individuals whose activities support the protection of habitats or species within the network are eligible to apply.

For this edition, applications are accepted across five categories:
• marine and coastal conservation
• conservation on land
• community benefits
• public engagement
• towns and cities (newly introduced category)

In addition to category winners, all finalists are…