Mission & Mode of Operation

EuroNatur – Connecting nature and people

We are committed to connecting nature and people in a peaceful Europe – beyond national borders. Our donors support us in this endeavour.

The growth-oriented way we lead our lives and run our economies at this point in history is characterized by ruthless exploitation of natural resources and has resulted in the pervasive destruction of nature as well as in drastic climate change. People all around the world are feeling the resultant adverse effects.

Nature is the natural resource base on which all humans depend. Species and habitat diversity are prerequisites of a quality environment. Our aim is a Europe that hosts free-flowing rivers, pristine forests and diverse cultural landscapes and that offers sufficient space for wild animals and migrating birds within these and other ecosystems.

How we work

Our efforts for the protection of plants, animals and habitats are transboundary in nature; we strengthen local conservation organizations and create international networks between them. Together with our Europe-wide partner network we create solutions that allow humans to live and work in harmony with nature. In our work we follow a well-proven approach:

• knowing

Using reputable scientific studies, we provide evidence of the conservation importance and uniqueness of species, landscapes and habitats and of the threats they face.

• protecting

We work on driving forward the formal protection of endangered species as well as of habitats and landscapes of particular high ecological value. To this end we utilize national and international political structures.

• safeguarding

Protected areas and species must be given sustained effective protection. We support control measures and make our demands for rigorous protection measures heard in national and international political institutions as well as in the courts. Where necessary, we exert public pressure on decision-makers (for example by way of protests and media attention).

• living

We generate acceptance of the need for protection and potentially associated restrictions for local communities. Together with the local people we establish ecologically compatible land-use methods in protected habitats that open up socio-economic prospects.

What do we mean when we say “transboundary conservation”?

What good would it do if we managed to protect the lapwing in Germany, only for them to be shot down on their way between their summer and wintering grounds? To protect migratory birds not only in their breeding areas but to also safeguard the areas in which they overwinter and rest on their migrations was one of the most important objectives when EuroNatur Foundation was established. More than in perhaps any other organization, our project activities are focused on transboundary conservation of nature in Europe. As an internationally active conservation foundation, we have made it our mission to preserve European natural heritage in all its diversity and to protect precious natural and cultural landscapes in Europe. EuroNatur is an organization committed to overcome the many national borders in Europe in positive terms and to enable the conservation of nature at the continental level.

Why are our partners in conservation so important to us?

Nature knows no borders. EuroNatur engages in the transboundary protection of wildlife such as brown bears, wolves, lynx, migratory birds and their habitats in Europe. This is only achievable in conjunction with a network of reliable and competent partners in conservation. We bring into contact scientists, conservationists, farmers, politicians and businesspeople from different countries in Europe. Especially in our conservation projects on the Balkan Peninsula, people from countries that in the past had regarded each other as enemies are being brought together. Nature conservation thus offers new opportunities for communication and the exchange of experiences across national borders. Our local partners contribute their valuable knowledge on conditions in their own countries, their contacts and experiences. In turn, we provide financial and technical support to our partners in conservation. As an international foundation that is active across Europe, we help small conservation organizations to gain more acceptance with the public in their own countries and also make sure that they get heard by their governments. Our aim is a powerful network committed to protecting our European natural heritage.

“Connecting nature and people” – what does that mean?

In the EuroNatur project areas, we create ecologically compatible perspectives together with the local people (for example by establishing structures for nature-based tourism, birdwatching, regional marketing of products etc.). We support sustainable rural development and work closely together with all stakeholders, from farmers to consumers. With its practical projects, EuroNatur demonstrates how sustainable rural development protects nature and provides local people with employment and quality-of-life. EuroNatur takes a grassroots approach and generates acceptance and awareness for nature conservation rather than imposing concepts and short-lived projects on local communities only to leave the areas to their own devices thereafter. We cultivate long-term relationships, and our aim are long-term achievements. In many project regions we can rely on connections cultivated over many years. This helps us to partner with local communities in aid of our conservation objectives and creates the foundations necessary for the long-term effectiveness of our efforts.

How you can help

Future needs nature. Cross-border conservation work, however, requires a long breath. That's why we depend on your support. This could be a financial commitment or volunteer activities at EuroNatur. Please use your options.This will help us to remain a strong and independent voice for Europe's nature.

Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at Tel. ++49-(0)7732-9272-0 or email us at info(at)euronatur.org.