Developing European Nature Academy | LIFE ENABLE end-of-project networking event

The project ends, but the European Nature Academy is just getting started!

From 14 – 16 of May, 60 people from 10 countries gathered in Castelfranco Veneto, Italy to explore the future of the European Nature Academy.

Flip through our virtual photo album to see the event highlights:

You can download the pictures here.

 

This event presented the LIFE ENABLE project and its achievements and invited delegates to discuss ways to capitalise on the results. Using a mix of plenary presentations, interactive sessions and break-out group working, the aim was to identify ways to consolidate the ENA, reflect on the achievements and discuss its future development: to inform the AfterLIFE Plan and Guidelines for Replicability, the goal is to sustain the ENA as the dedicated professional development and capacity building hub for Natura 2000 and Protected Area staff.  The event also created an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the LIFE ENABLE project and for partners and participants to showcase some of the project’s highlights from their own perspectives.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to present their LIFE (and other) projects, programmes and initiatives at the event’s networking Knowledge Market.  

A field visit to the LIFE Brenta project, Grave e Zone Umide della Brenta (IT3260018) Natura 2000 site was an integral part of the programme. Participants were able to discuss the site’s riverscape rich in different habitats (e.g., standing and running water habitats, forests, dry grasslands) and hosting a variety of species of conservation interest.

Check out this video to hear about the project highlights from the perspectives of our participants and project partners:

 

The feedback gathered will be used to inform the end-of-project Feasibility Study and Guidelines for Replicability which will be widely disseminated, so watch this space!

Take a look at our LIFE ENABLE story video to discover the path we took to bring our ideas to life:

LIFE ENABLE at Green Week: the Natura 2000 Award ceremony 

On May 29, the Natura 2000 Award 2024 ceremony was held in Brussels. EUROPARC Federation was honoured to be invited to share the LIFE ENABLE project experience, in particular presenting the ENA’s tools and methods for communicating about and advocating for Natura 2000. This was a perfect opportunity to share news about the project with finalists and other guests, as well as to initiate discussions on the opportunities provided by the Natura 2000 Award.

We warmly congratulate all the Natura 2000 Award winners across the 5 categories for their outstanding LIFE projects. Here are the winners of the ‘Working Together for Nature’ category, with Gary Goggins and Derek McLoughlin from National Parks & Wildlife Ireland representing LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature.