The Group of Specialists on the European Diploma for Protected Areas (“EDPA”) met to monitor the implementation of Committee of Ministers’ conditions and recommendations attached to the EDPA-awarded areas.  It analysed which areas require particular attention in 2016 and decided on the areas to be visited in 2017. The Group further discussed the results of the 2015 exceptional visits to two EDPA areas and developed action proposals to the Committee of Ministers. The visibility of the EDPA and awarded areas has also been considered, along with proposals on the implementation of Recommendation No. 181(2015) of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention On the Future of the EDPA.

The EDPA is a prestigious international award granted since 1965 by the Committee of Ministers. It recognises natural and semi-natural areas and landscapes of exceptional European importance for the preservation of biodiversity and which are managed in an exemplary way. Since 1965, the EDPA was granted to 74 protected areas located in 29 European countries.

For more information, visit the EDPA meeting page.