Nature Returns is a pilot initiative that connects ecosystem restoration, conservation, and sustainable economic development across protected areas in Europe and Africa. Through collaboration with local communities, entrepreneurs, protected area managers, and experts, the programme supports the development of nature-positive businesses capable of addressing environmental challenges while generating local economic opportunities.

As part of the programme, we have already helped entrepreneurs strengthen and operationalize their initiatives, contributing to the conservation of 5 pilot protected areas and mitigating the main threats occurring there. Our support combines liaison with the site’s authorities, tailored mentoring, practical business guidance, networking opportunities, and incubation grants to support the launch of the business proposals.

At this stage, we are supporting 15 businesses across all five pilot sites: Lonjsko Polje, Pico Island Nature Park, Príncipe Island Nature Park, Shar Mountain National Park, and Ulcinj Salina Nature Park. Nature Returns is now calling for a second round of business ideas to be supported in collaboration with the site’s authorities and Connectology. New proposals can apply through this Application Form until June 15^th, 2026, addressing the following threats in our network of sites:

• Lonjsko Polje Nature Park (Croatia) – One of Europe’s largest natural floodplains, Lonjsko Polje supports exceptional biodiversity while preserving traditional grazing practices and rural heritage. Key challenges identified included agrochemical use, invasive species, undergrazing, fungal pathogens affecting ash trees, and rural depopulation.
• Pico Island Nature Park (Portugal) – Located in the Azores, Pico Island Nature Park includes UNESCO-protected vineyard landscapes, volcanic ecosystems, and endemic biodiversity. Main pressures included invasive animal and plant species, abandonment of wine production, illegal construction, and marine erosion.
• Príncipe Island Nature Park (São Tomé and Príncipe) – This globally important biodiversity hotspot contains tropical forests and highly endemic ecosystems. Threats identified included logging, charcoal production, invasive species, plastic pollution, excessive hunting, and mangrove degradation.
• Shar Mountain National Park (North Macedonia) – Shar Mountain combines alpine biodiversity with centuries-old pastoral traditions. Main threats included illegal logging, poaching, water pollution, forest fires, land abandonment, and unsustainable infrastructure development.
• Ulcinj Salina Nature Park (Montenegro) – Ulcinj Salina is a unique wetland ecosystem and critical Adriatic bird habitat. Key environmental pressures included invasive species, pollution, visitor disturbance, poaching, overgrowth of ponds and canals, and water management challenges.