1. Dr Andrew Sier CEH, UK The Natura 2000 Partner Award

2. Objectives To recognise excellence in: –the integrated management of Natura 2000 sites –the promotion of the network and its objectives –other innovative activities which support Natura 2000 To provide role models and case studies To help promote Natura 2000 and communicate its objectives

3. Main elements Natura 2000 Partner Natura 2000 Partner of the Year European Natura 2000 Partner of the Year

4. What is awarded? The title A ‘badge of honour’ A mark of ‘green’ credentials Use title / logo on stationary, websites, etc.

5. What is awarded? Partners of the Year: the ‘cream’ nationally European Partners of the Year: the top honour Optional award trophy Event Publicity

6. Activities recognized Integrated management practices in and around Natura 2000 sites Promotion and communication of the Natura 2000 concept Supporting activities – other activities which clearly benefit the Natura 2000 initiative

7. Example activities recognized Encouraging farmers to adopt a new practice Reducing environmental impacts of an industry Promoting low impact tourism in a site Raising awareness of Natura 2000 Providing funds for projects that benefit a site Networking people to share best practice

8. Who is the award aimed at? Business enterprises Administrations Not-for-profit organisations Volunteers (individuals, community groups) Land owners Educational establishments

10. Example criteria Relevant to Natura 2000? Clear aims? Obvious benefits (actual or anticipated)? Evidence of positive environmental outcomes? Good value for money and time? Could others learn from and repeat the work? Is it innovative? Is follow-up work planned? Adaptable

11. How would it work? Central Coordinator – European Comm. Each Member State appoints a National Coordinator –Manage national process Selection Panels –judge the ‘Partner of the Year’ awards NCs and CC work together to run scheme consistently CC NC SP

12. How would it work? Award throughout year by each National Coordinators –integrated into the annual schemes Member States fund the national-level scheme Natura 2000 Partner EU award event NC

13. How would it work? Optional for Member States Award once per year –select from successful Natura 2000 Partners –optional award ceremony / prize- giving –submit annual winners to EU > European Natura 2000 Partners of the Year Natura 2000 Partner of the Year National award events NC SP

14. How would it work? Run by EC Awarded once per year –selected from the MS Natura 2000 Partners of the Year –EU level award ceremony European Natura 2000 Partner of the Year EU award event CC SP

15. More information Eventually at: www.natura2000exchange.eu/awards