The European Diploma for Protected Areas has been awarded by the Council of Europe since 1965. Only regions and landscapes of European importance for the preservation of biological and geological diversity are awarded. These regions must meet clear criteria and define a nature and environmental protection plan. So far, 74 regions in 29 states have been selected.
After the first five years, the work in the regions is reviewed again by experts; thereafter, the diploma must be renewed every 10 years. The experts formulate suggestions for improvement and the regions concerned submit an annual report on measures implemented and other changes. The European Diploma is a strong incentive for regions to engage in nature and environmental protection and provides an international platform for exchange/networking and inspiration.
On 26 October 1973, the Germano-Luxembourg Nature Park became the 13th region to receive the European Diploma for Protected Areas. The region was chosen for its innovative, cross-border orientation. Of European interest are the landscapes on both sides of the Sauer and Our rivers, which in the north comprise the plateaus and deep valleys of the Eifel and Ösling, and in the south parts of the plateaus and valleys of the Müllerthal region.
The European Diploma of the Germano-Luxembourg Nature Park was extended until 2028; this with the recommendation that Germany and Luxembourg should formulate joint medium- and long-term nature and environmental protection goals for the region. These have been drawn up by a working group since autumn 2020.
