October 2023, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

EUROPARC Conference 2023 Declaration

The theme of the EUROPARC Conference 2023 is:
“Tribute to our landscapes – where Nature and People meet in Harmony.”

Celebrating 50 years of the EUROPARC Federation in 2023, the Leeuwarden Conference stands as a milestone. We invite participants to learn from our past and prepare for our shared future.

We are witnessing the decline of nature, biodiversity loss, climate change, concerns about food systems, and many other pressing issues for our planet. This conference delivers a clear declaration of intent and action: to create greater harmony between nature and people.

1. Past – Present – Future

Understanding our past and present allows us to look towards the future: the future we need and the future we want. The bond between nature and culture is reflected in diverse landscapes that evolve over time, while safeguarding our natural heritage and all forms of life. Preserving the fundamental values of landscapes ensures continuity with past generations while protecting them for those yet to come.

2. Living in Harmony with Nature

To live in harmony with nature, in a stable climate and free from pollution, requires profound changes in human attitudes and actions. We acknowledge the human impact on landscapes and nature, and the growing disconnection between people and the non-human world across much of Europe. Many cultures have forgotten or lost their place within global ecosystems. Climate and biodiversity can no longer wait: we emphasize that nature is the foundation of our existence.

3. Connection and Interconnection with Nature

Let us go outdoors and spend more time in nature. Although our experiences differ, appreciating nature in all its diversity is essential to recognizing its value for human society. Stories can inspire deeper understanding of nature’s importance for our health, food, water, and air. Let us share meaningful stories that connect us.

4. Knowledge

Although people know about nature, they often fail to act in its support. Scientific knowledge and practical expertise remain too often confined to closed circles, instead of reaching people. We must better engage consumers, business owners, and stakeholders to inspire meaningful behavioral change.

5. Be Amazed, Protect, and Educate

Continue to be amazed by the beauty of nature and landscapes. Protected areas play a vital educational role in reconnecting society with nature. We protect what we know and love. We need comprehensive approaches and strong cooperation to promote ongoing protection and nature education at European, national, and regional levels. We must collaborate with the education sector to learn together – sharing knowledge across disciplines such as ecology, heritage interpretation, and environmental sciences.

6. Everywhere, All the Time

Nature exists everywhere: in wild areas, cultural landscapes, cities, and towns – all are interconnected. We should seek stronger links between these areas through cooperation with managers, users, residents, and organizations. New technologies can support these efforts, but should serve as tools for support, not instruments of control.

7. Begin and Act Now

We know our landscapes face many challenges: overexploitation, intensified land use, pollution, biodiversity loss, climate impacts, and erosion of cultural heritage. Protected landscapes must serve as pilot sites for integrated solutions. Let us act now, moving from fear to hope. Together, we must create a better world, closer to what is truly natural.

This requires intergenerational interaction, where young and old learn together, share achievements, and build improvements for a common future.

We need a map of change, where everyone plays a role – individually and in collaboration.

50 years have passed since the creation of EUROPARC.
May the next 50 years lead us towards a more mature relationship in harmony with nature.
For present and future generations. For all life.