The European Diploma for Protected Areas has again be awarded to Eurosite members Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten for National Park Weerribben-Wieden. The diploma is awarded by the Council of Europe and recognises natural and semi-natural areas and landscapes of exceptional European importance. The diploma is awarded for a period of five years. Of the 46 Member States of the Council of Europe only 73 areas in 28 countries have this status.

Egbert Beens, Staatsbosbeheer Ranger at De Weerribben: “It is so cool that the diploma has been awarded to the entire National Park Weerribben-Wieden, exactly 20 years after the prestigious European Diploma was awarded to the Weerribben for the first time. And it is also the 50th anniversary of the European Diploma. It is something that we, as site managers, are proud of and also the region can be proud. This result can only be achieved by continued close cooperation with tenants, entrepreneurs, the municipality, the province and the water board.”

De Weerribben and De Wieden in Overijssel form a watery oasis of peace and tranquility with reed beds, meadows, swamp forest, lakes, marshes and quaking bogs. The area has one of the most pristine horizons in the Netherlands. Moreover, this area is the largest continuous fenland in Northwest Europe: over 10,000 hectares. It is definitely worth paying a visit to De Weerribben!