2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the European Diploma for Protected Areas, 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.

On this occasion, a ceremony was hosted by Spanish authorities in Granada on 21st May and the European Diploma was awarded to the Gallipoli Cognato Nature Reserve (Italy) with the European Diploma.

Managers of the European Diploma holding sites met in Granada that same day and considered successful stories in the management of, both habitats and species focusing on Aadaptation to climate change, water management, tourism, recovery, rehabilitation and restoration of habitats and species; and relations with with local stakeholders. Participants adopted the Granada Declaration  highlighting the importance of natural heritage, long-term protection and conservation, effective and sustainable management, promoting best practices in conservation, encouraging transboundary cooperation and raising awareness of Europe’s natural heritage while underlining the challenges and opportunities for the future.

Broadcast of the Celebratory Event, 21 May 2025:

60th anniversary of the European Diploma for Protected Areas

Link to the European Diploma for Protected Areas’ webpage:

https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention/european-diploma-for-protected-areas

Link to the agendas of the events:

https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention/-/meeting-of-group-of-specialists-on-edpa