This week, the Bern Convention marked the 60th anniversary of the European Diploma for Protected Areas—a flagship initiative of the Council of Europe that recognises and supports exceptional protected areas of European importance.

The anniversary conference took place in Granada and brought together conservation leaders, public authorities, and civil society representatives from across Europe. Participants celebrated decades of progress while acknowledging that our shared natural heritage continues to face unprecedented challenges.

The adoption of the Granada Declaration sends a strong and united message: the community of protected areas holding the European Diploma is committed to strengthening efforts to conserve biodiversity, address the climate crisis, and uphold human rights through environmental protection.

From the Alps to the Atlantic, and from wetlands to high-altitude Mediterranean ecosystems such as Sierra Nevada—recently nominated to join the Diploma network—the community now encompasses 66 protected areas in 27 countries. However, further action is required.

The Granada Declaration:

• Calls for expanding the number and diversity of protected areas;
• Urges increased investment in conservation and management planning;
• Recognises the vital role of local communities;
• Supports integrating environmental priorities across all policy areas;
• Echoes the Reykjavik Declaration on the environment and human rights;
• Calls for implementing the new Council of Europe Strategy on the Environment and the Convention on Environmental Crime.

At a time when the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution threatens our well-being and democratic resilience, the European Diploma remains a powerful tool to promote sustainability, cooperation, and peace.

The Bern Convention extends its sincere gratitude to the authorities of Spain, Andalusia, the Municipality of Granada, and the National Park of Sierra Nevada for their hospitality and support in hosting this milestone event.

Together, we reaffirm our commitment to continue working for the protection of what matters most—for nature, for people, and for generations to come.