Ljubljana/Brussels – The Life Lynx project, aimed at preventing the extinction of the Dinaric and southeastern Alpine lynx population, has been honored with two Life 2025 awards in Brussels. It was recognized as the best project in Europe for nature conservation and biodiversity, and also received the audience award at the opening of the European Green Week.
For 19 years, the awarding commission has celebrated the most innovative, inspiring, and effective Life projects across three categories: nature conservation and biodiversity, environment, and climate action, according to the Forest Service of Slovenia.
Gregor Danev, the director of the Forest Service, and Rok Černe, the Life Lynx project coordinator, accepted the awards in Brussels. “This confirms the dedication and efforts of all project partners to maintain healthy forests, in which lynx play an essential role,” Danev stated in a press release.
Černe noted that the project’s success would not have been achievable without the historical contributions of hunters and foresters, who reintroduced the lynx in 1973 after the species was wiped out in the region. “This conservation initiative began then, making this award a recognition for everyone who has played a part in this significant conservation achievement,” he highlighted.
Over the seven years of the project, 18 lynx have been relocated to Slovenia and Croatia, leading to the recording of over 50 offspring by the end of last year. A connecting population has been established in the Slovenian Alps with the relocated lynx, marking a crucial step towards the long-term conservation of lynx in this area of Europe.
The timing of the award is significant as we approach International Lynx Day on June 11, which has been celebrated since 2018, initiated by the 3Lynx project, acknowledging the endangered status of lynx in much of Europe that requires human support for survival. (June 4)
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