Spotlight on the 60th Anniversary of the European Diploma for Protected Areas
The creation of the European Diploma for Protected Areas in 1965 was a milestone in the Council of Europe’s commitment to the preservation of our natural heritage. Since then, the Diploma’s community has grown to include 67 protected areas across 27 European countries, and this year is celebrating the milestone of its 60th anniversary.
These protected areas, guardians of rare species and precious ecosystems, are beacons of exemplary stewardship and sanctuaries of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature across generations. Through the Diploma, the Council of Europe encourages a shared commitment to conservation, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. In protecting them, we safeguard Europe's core values: democracy, human rights and the respect for nature as an inheritance for future generations.
Earlier this year an anniversary ceremony was hosted by Spanish authorities in Granada. The adoption of the Granada Declaration has sent a strong message: the community of Diploma holders is committed to strengthening efforts to conserve biodiversity, address the climate and biodiversity crises, and uphold human rights through environmental protection.
Throughout the summer, to celebrate the work being done by Diploma holders as part of the ongoing occasion of the anniversary, a glimpse into the work of a select number of sites has been shared across our social media platforms.
More information on the European Diploma for Protected Areas and the full list of participating sites:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention/european-diploma-for-protected-areas
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