The purpose of this Award is to reward excellence in the management of Natura 2000 sites and to give the organisations and people concerned "the recognition they deserve".

As such, the Natura 2000 Award also raises awareness about the importance of the Natura 2000 network and its role in safeguarding our European natural heritage, while at the same time promoting social and economic wellbeing. 

The 25 finalists have been selected out of 75 eligible applications received from across the EU. Now finalists will be evaluated by the high level Jury, that will decide who will be the winner in each of the 5 Award categories.

The EU Citizens' award will go the finalist who received the highest number of public votes. This category was created to help increase awareness about Natura 2000 among the general public and every year it becomes more popular. The public vote, which is taking place on a dedicated website http://natura2000award-application.eu/  will close on 22 April.