European Day of Parks celebrated by Youngsters at the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, in 2018 ©Konatsu Hagita
The European Day of Parks (EDoP) on the 24th of May, is a commemorative day for Protected Areas across Europe that was launched in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation to celebrate Protected Areas throughout Europe. It celebrates the creation of the 1st National Parks in Europe – a set of nine parks created in Sweden in 1909.
European Day of Parks 2024: Vote for Nature
Europe’s Parks and Protected Areas bring policy decisions to life!
The official EDoP 2024 banner!
Protected Areas are builders of bridges. These places have the ability to connect international policy decisions and agreements with local communities. Furthermore, they are essential not just for the successful execution of these policies, but also help shape wide-spread acceptance amongst citizens.
However, the benefits Parks & Protected Areas bring go far beyond the execution of global, national or even regional nature policies. These places safeguard some of the most spectacular nature in Europe. Every day, they provide us with fresh water, clean air and places to unwind, whilst fostering sustainable regional development.
In 2024, the EUROPARC Federation wanted to highlight just how essential our Protected Areas are for the development and implementation of nature policies & their central role in ensuring a sustainable and resilient society for European citizens to live, work and enjoy. That is why we called upon our network to #VoteForNature and give some well deserved support to our natural heritage!
Discover all that was happening, on the dedicated page here:
About the European Day of Parks
The European Day of Parks is the most important awareness raising event for Protected Areas in Europe. Taking place annually on 24th May, Parks and Protected Areas come together across Europe to celebrate their successes and declare the value and benefits of Europe’s Protected Areas to communities, decision-makers and the wider public.
The multiplier effect of all events organised, as well as the outreach on (social) media, ensures that the importance of Protected Areas is drawn to the attention of a large audience. In turn, this stimulates social acceptance and can generate political support.
EDoP is organised and promoted by the EUROPARC Federation.
Check here to see the previous editions.
The European Day of Parks is made possible through funding of the LIFE Programme. Views and opinions do not necessarily reflect that of the European Commission or of CINEA.