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At the Natura 2000 Award Ceremony, on 29 May 2024, Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, the Director General of the Environment of the European Commission, and members of the high-level jury announced the six winners of the 2024 edition of Natura 2000 Award! 

You can find out all about the six winners on the dedicated winners page! 

Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič said:  

The Natura 2000 network is at the heart of Europe’s biodiversity protection and restoration. Our wellbeing, food security and economic prosperity fully depend on healthy nature. Healthy nature is also the livelihood of farmers, fishers and foresters. And it is our main ally in the fighting against climate change, from absorbing the carbon we emit to cooling the cities we live in. The Natura 2000 network strongly contributes to all these functions, preserving Europe's most valuable and threatened habitats and species, while creating economic opportunities in rural areas. 

In the 10 years of the Natura 2000 Award, including this edition, we have seen exceptional commitment of public authorities, stakeholders and local communities to ensure the network continues to flourish and provide vital ecosystem services for future generations. My congratulations to finalists, winners and all the applicants for their hard work. 

 And the winners are …   

This year is an extra-special one as the Natura 2000 Award celebrates its 10 year anniversary.  The prizes presented at the Ceremony included the five category awards (Conservation on land, Marine conservation, Communication, Socio-economic benefits and Cross-border cooperation) and the Executive Vice-President presented the  European Citizens' Award  to the finalist who received the highest number of  public votes.