The European Diploma for Protected Areas is a prestigious international award granted since 1965 by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. It recognises natural and semi-natural areas and landscapes of exceptional European importance for the preservation of biological, geological and landscape diversity and which are managed in an exemplary way. Protected areas may receive the diploma for their outstanding scientific, cultural or aesthetic qualities, but they must also be the subject of a suitable conservation scheme.
WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN DIPLOMA FOR PROTECTED AREAS?
A Council of Europe award
Candidates for the European Diploma for Protected Areas
Renewals, reports and withdrawals
THE EUROPEAN DIPLOMA AREAS
The Nordic expanses
Practically unspoilt mountains, rivers, valleys and alluvial plains
Virgin forests and evolving forests
Geological, palaeontological and soil sites
Heath, moorland and peatland
Significant wetlands
Islands, peninsulas and coastlines
Central and southern European mountain landscapes
Cultivated or inhabited landscapes
EUROPEAN DIPLOMA AREAS AS MODELS FOR CONSERVATION Protecting Europe’s heritage
Compatibility of uses and activities with conservation
The sustainable use of European Diploma areas by people
Education and research
Model areas for nature conservation and encouraging sustainable development
Involving local partners
THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE EUROPEAN DIPLOMA FOR PROTECTED AREAS TO EUROPEAN ECOLOGICAL COHERENCE GLOSSARY BIBLIOGRAPHY LIST OF EUROPEAN DIPLOMA AREAS
