European Parks Day (24/05)

The European Day of Parks (EDoP) was established by the EUROPARK Federation, a European organization that unites protected natural areas in 35 countries. Held for the first time in 1999, the day is now celebrated annually on 24 May across Europe.

The date of the celebration was chosen due to the fact that it was on May 24, 1909 that the first National Parks were created in Europe (the first of almost three hundred national parks created in Europe in subsequent years) — were nine National Parks founded in Sweden. Since then, protected natural areas have become an invaluable part of Europe's natural and cultural heritage.

This environmental holiday was established with the aim of raising the profile of European nature reserves, as well as in order to arouse public support for their work. Currently, European Parks Day symbolizes international solidarity in the protection of natural areas.

On this day, numerous events are held in and around the reserves (opening thematic exhibitions, giving lectures, showing films, conducting new excursions, organizing children's programs and festivals), the purpose of which is to draw attention to the natural beauty of Europe and its cultural heritage. Their protection is invariably brought to the fore, both now and in the future.

Italian National Natural Park Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Photo: Pawel Kazmierczak, licensed from Shutterstock.com)

Every year Parks Day is dedicated to a specific topic, including: «Youth — is the future of our parks», «Volunteers, nature needs you», «Parks for nature. Parks for well-being. Parks of the world», «Nature of our business», «Taste of nature», «Healthy parks, healthy people», «Parks — next generation» and others.

Let us remind you that in Russia the Day of Nature Reserves and National Parks is celebrated annually on January 11, and in April an international large-scale environmental campaign called «March of Parks» takes place.

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