The European Commission is launching a Natura 2000 Award to recognise excellence in best practice for nature conservation in Europe.

Natura 2000is a network of protected areas of high biodiversity value that covers around 20% of EU territory with a wealth of flora and fauna, from mountainous beech forests in the Czech Republic to turtles in Polish wetlands and dolphins off the coast of Spain. As well as protecting nature, the network provides numerous social economic benefits.

Europeans feel strongly about nature conservation, but few are familiar with Nature 2000. A recent Eurobarometer survey found that out of ten Europeans see the decline of natural habitats and the endangering and disappearance of certain animals and plants as serious problems. Most citizens believe that the role of nature protection in preventing the destruction of valuable areas on land and at sea is important (ranging from 99% to 83% among the Member States). But only 27% of respondents to the survey had actually heard of Nature 2000.

This new annual Award aims to remedy this lack of public awareness, showcasing the variety of Nature 2000 sites and recognising excellence in a wide range of activities. Five award will be given out each year in different areas:

• covering communication,
• conservation actions,
• socio economic benefits,
• reconciling interests and perceptions
• networking and cross-border cooperation

Applications are welcome from any entity directly involved in Natura 2000 (public and local authorities, businesses, NGOs, land owners, educational institutions and individuals).

Deadline for applications is 18 February 2014.

The winners of this inaugural Natura 2000 Award will be announced in May 2014.

For more information check:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/awards/