Honouring a Legacy: The Michael Dower Award at the European Rural Parliament
Michael Dower was a pioneering conservationist, educator, and advocate for rural communities across Europe. After early work in planning and countryside research, he became National Park Officer in the Peak District (1985–92) and later Director-General of the Countryside Commission.
From 2000 to 2016, Michael coordinated PREPARE (Partnership for Rural Europe) and co-coordinated the European Rural Parliament, helping to build enduring networks of rural people and organisations across the continent. He also co-founded ECOVAST, ARC2020, and contributed to the European Landscape Convention.
He went on to serve as Professor of European Rural Development at the University of Gloucestershire.
Michael’s lifelong commitment to democracy, sustainability, and rural resilience lives on through the Michael Dower Award for Rural Resilience, which celebrates outstanding initiatives by individuals and communities. This year’s awards will be presented at the European Rural Parliament in October 2025.
The Michael Dower Award for Rural Resilience
Established in Michael’s memory in late 2024, the Michael Dower Award for Rural Resilience honours individuals and communities across Europe who exemplify his values of democracy, social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and rural empowerment.
The award recognises outstanding initiatives – both community-led projects and individual actions – that address economic, environmental, and social challenges in rural areas, fostering resilience and sharing lessons across borders.
The first presentation of the Michael Dower Award will take place at the 2025 European Rural Parliament. This year’s winners – across both individual and community categories – will be announced on 22 October 2025. Head over to the Michael Dower Award website for information on award finalists.
Claire Jordan, Managing Director at AEIDL and Management Committee member of the Michael Dower Award says: “we are delighted to use this opportunity to recognise the hard work being done in rural communities across the whole of Europe. For us as for Michael, the resilience shown by rural actors in challenging conditions is both impressive and necessary. Through this Award we hope we can help share their knowledge and experiences to inspire other local communities and improve the lives of everyone in rural areas”.
