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 2026
Connected by Nature
All of us need connections, to grow, live and learn. Our Protected Areas are no different. Healthy ecosystems don’t exist in isolation: they thrive only when ecological connections are in place — wildlife corridors, linked habitats, and landscapes that allow species to move, adapt and flourish.
These connections often go beyond the borders of any single Protected Area. To nurture nature, we need to think across boundaries, restore linkages, build ecological networks, and create partnerships that unite people, communities, and nature.
In 2026, for the European Day of Parks, we invite you to celebrate and strengthen these lifelines on and around the 24th of May. Let’s work together — Protected Areas, local communities, policymakers, visitors — to imagine and build a future where our landscapes are not fragmented, but truly connected by nature.
Join the celebration!
Celebrating EDoP is all about getting people out into nature. That is why EUROPARC invites you to organise local events and register them on our website. This will help us showcase how Protected Areas from across Europe are coming together to celebrate this special day! Are you looking for some inspiration? Our Guidelines for Parks will provide you with loads of ideas for events, as well as background information on the theme of this year. Of course, to help the promotion, you can also download the official banner in your language.
Register your event! Guidelines for Parks Get the official banner
Is the official banner not available in your language yet? No problem! Just write the translation to the following email address, and we will be sure to create it for you:
EUROPARC and ecological connectivity
The EUROPARC Federation recognises the crucial importance of well-connected Protected Areas. Across Europe, our members are creating connections, ecological and social, to help our natural heritage thrive. Here are some initiatives we are involved in to support their work:
Transboundary Parks Programme
Did you know? On average, 50% of Europe’s borders are covered by Protected Areas! That is why ensuring that managing bodies across borders are working together effectively is essential to safeguard the best results for nature and people. EUROPARC’s Transboundary Parks Programme is designed to support these processes. It is the only certification scheme focused on European cross-border Protected Area cooperation. Currently, the programme supports the connections between 21 Parks and 13 countries, resulting in better, more connected, nature across Europe. Will you join us?
Horizon Europe NaturaConnect
Furthermore, the EUROPARC Federation is a partner in the Horizon Europe NaturaConnect project. The project aims to support countries in designing and developing a blueprint for a truly coherent Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N) of conserved areas that protect at least 30% of land in the European Union, with at least one third of it under strict protection.
Learn more:
Partnerships for Nature
EUROPARC also connects with other organisations to strengthen our network. Our active partnership with Rewilding Europe demonstrates how ecological connectivity plays a key role in helping nature recover. Through their 11 Rewilding Landscapes, Rewilding Europe showcases how trusting nature to lead its own recovery can reconnect people and nature to the benefit of both. Within our partnership, we are exploring how Rewilding Principles can be applied in Protected Areas.
Join the special EDoP webinar!
You will have the opportunity to learn more about both our partnership with Rewilding Europe, as well as the NaturaConnect project through a jointly organised webinar on 22 May, as part of our celebrations for the European Day of Parks.
The full programme and registration will be announced soon. Watch this space!
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.