Created by the European Commission to reward and promote the best practices for nature conservation in Europe, the Natura 2000 Award also has the mission of recognizing excellence in the management and promotion of initiatives that are part of the Natura 2020 Network in Europe, as well as initiatives to raise awareness of its importance and benefits for European citizens. Duorum vineyards are part of the European Nature Conservation Network (Natura 2020) and are, therefore, marked by high standards of environmental and viticulture practices that have been adopted by João Portugal Ramos Vinhos Group since the beginning of the project in 2007. This conduct of excellence - which had already been recognized in the past by the Institute for Nature and Biodiversity Conservation and by joining the European Business & Biodiversity initiative, an international network of companies that integrate environmental and biodiversity concerns in their activities -, is thus again internationally recognized, this time with a nomination for the European Natura 2000 Award. Ranked in “Socioeconomic Benefits” category, the Duorum project receives recognition for its active role in rural development with an impact on local communities, resulting from activities that support local producers and the use of natural resources, promoting employment and new sources of income for local communities, also combating depopulation of the interior in one of the poorest areas of Portugal. For João Portugal Ramos, who together with José Maria Soares Franco is one of the founders of Duorum project, “This nomination is the result of the enormous dedication of the entire Duorum team that, since the beginning, designed this project in order to protect and preserve the local environment, its biodiversity and sustainability. It is another proof that there are also projects in the wine sector capable of combining business and environmental benefits.” In addition to the award given by a jury, Duorum project is also open to the vote of the general public for The European Citizen’s Prize, until 15 September, at the official Natura 2000 Network website. The winners of the five Natura 2000 Award categories will be announced on 14 October in Brussels, Belgium.