Nature conservation heroes wanted: Apply for the 2026 Environmental Prize!

Nature conservation heroes wanted: Apply for the 2026 Environmental Prize!

The Sasse Foundation is starting the application phase for the 2026 Environmental Prize, which will spotlight projects that promote biodiversity in the region. From now until the end of March 2026, registered clubs, educational institutions and voluntary groups from the districts of Grafschaft Bentheim, Emsland, Borken, Coesfeld, Steinfurt, Warendorf and the city of Münster can apply. Loud Burlo Direct the last winner, the “St. Felicitas School” from Vreden, received the prize for its project “Biodiversity in the Industrial Area”. This promotes the sustainable use of natural diversity in an industrial environment.

With a total prize money of 10,000 euros, the environmental prize is distributed across five projects. First place receives 5,000 euros, second place receives 2,000 euros, while third to fifth places each receive 1,000 euros. Applications should include a short video (maximum 2 minutes) and a project description with a financial plan, club name and contact details. Submissions can be made via the Sasse Foundation website, sassekorn.de, take place.

A prize with history

The Sasse Foundation was founded in June 2024 by Susanne Hüntemann-Sasse and Rüdiger Sasse with the aim of financially supporting nature conservation projects in Münsterland. In addition to the activities to promote biodiversity, the foundation also plans to promote initiatives in the areas of sport, culture and local heritage. The environmental prize is just one of several projects that the foundation has launched. The “Heide Gin” initiative, in which a special gin is sold, also supports research into childhood dementia, for example, with 15 euros donated per bottle.

In addition, the foundation is committed, among other things, to the renewal of wooden walkways in the sewage fields and plans to rebuild historic sheepfolds in order to promote biodiversity. This is done with the involvement of volunteers and students, such as on the website of the foundation can be read.

A festive setting

The festive award ceremony will take place in May 2026 during the sheep drive in Nordhorn Zoo. It offers a great platform to honor the committed projects and their creators and to underline the importance of nature conservation in the region.

The Environmental Award 2026 is part of the list of important environmental awards such as the Global 500 Award or the Champions of Earth Award, which award international recognition for outstanding achievements in environmental protection. These awards are part of a global movement committed to preserving natural diversity. Further information can be found in the Wikipedia.

Nowadays it's up to you to take the first step and submit your projects! Get involved and help promote biodiversity in our region!