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Costa Carras Awards for Safeguard of Endangered Heritage 2026 (Fifth Edition)

Deadline: 16-Jan-2026

The Costa Carras European Citizens Awards celebrate individuals, citizen groups, and civil society organisations across Europe working to safeguard endangered cultural and natural heritage. Winners receive financial awards, public recognition, and international exposure, highlighting campaigns that successfully engage communities to protect Europe’s shared heritage.

Costa Carras European Citizens Awards for Heritage Protection

Overview

The Costa Carras European Citizens Awards are a prestigious initiative co-organised by Europa Nostra and ELLINIKI ETAIRIA, recognising outstanding contributions to the protection of endangered cultural and natural heritage in Europe.

The awards aim to:

  • Celebrate initiatives that protect at-risk heritage sites

  • Support meaningful public engagement and advocacy campaigns

  • Foster a sense of shared European responsibility for heritage preservation

Why It Matters

Europe’s cultural and natural heritage faces growing threats from neglect, urban development, environmental changes, and social pressures. Protecting these sites preserves history, biodiversity, and community identity, while promoting sustainable development and civic participation.

The awards specifically highlight campaigns that mobilise public support and demonstrate tangible impact, recognising that community-driven action is essential for long-term heritage conservation.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Individuals with demonstrated heritage-protection initiatives

  • Citizen groups or civil society organisations engaged in safeguarding heritage

  • Campaigns focused on cultural or natural heritage at risk within Europe

Award Categories and Funding

  • Golden Award: €10,000 + certificate, for the most outstanding campaign

  • Silver Award: €5,000 + certificate, for exemplary public engagement initiatives

These awards not only provide financial support but also offer international recognition and networking opportunities with heritage experts and stakeholders.

How It Works / How to Apply

  1. Prepare Your Campaign: Clearly outline objectives, methods, and the heritage site(s) involved.

  2. Demonstrate Public Engagement: Show how your campaign has mobilised communities or stakeholders.

  3. Submit Application: Follow official guidelines provided by Europa Nostra and ELLINIKI ETAIRIA.

  4. Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by a jury of heritage and communication experts based on impact, engagement, and sustainability.

  5. Awards Ceremony: Winners are announced at the Delphi Economic Forum 2026, celebrating their contribution to heritage protection.

Tips for Applicants

  • Emphasise measurable impact and community involvement

  • Include visual documentation (photos, videos) of campaign activities

  • Highlight sustainable outcomes and long-term protection plans

  • Showcase innovative approaches to safeguarding heritage

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate tangible public engagement

  • Submitting incomplete or poorly documented applications

  • Ignoring the focus on endangered heritage

  • Overlooking the sustainability and long-term impact of the campaign

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
Individuals, citizen groups, and civil society organisations across Europe.

2. What types of heritage are eligible?
Endangered cultural sites (monuments, historic buildings, traditions) and natural heritage (ecosystems, landscapes).

3. How are winners selected?
A jury of heritage and communication experts evaluates applications based on impact, engagement, and sustainability.

4. What is the top award?
Golden Award of €10,000 and a certificate.

5. Is there a secondary prize?
Yes, the Silver Award of €5,000 with a certificate.

6. When and where is the awards ceremony?
During the Delphi Economic Forum 2026 in Delphi, Greece.

7. What is the focus of the award?
Recognising campaigns that successfully engage the public to protect endangered heritage.

Conclusion

The Costa Carras European Citizens Awards provide financial support, recognition, and international visibility for campaigns protecting Europe’s endangered cultural and natural heritage. By highlighting successful public engagement, the awards inspire further citizen-led action and promote a sustainable, inclusive vision for Europe’s heritage.

For more information, visit Europa Nostra.