European Day of Parks
The EUROPARC Federation launched the European Day of Parks in 1999 to celebrate Protected Areas throughout Europe. To celebrate EDoP 2025, we chatted with two members of the EUROPARC Youth Council, Alberto Madrassi and Marla Schulz, to learn more about their journeys in conservation.
Can you tell us about your career path so far?
Marla: My name is Marla Schulz, I’m 28 years old, and my journey into conservation and sustainability began already in school, where I focused on biology and geography. I later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, which gave me a broad understanding of human-environment interactions. It quickly became clear that my passion lies in the connections between people and nature, which led me to continue with a Master’s in Sustainable Regional Development at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development.
Alongside my studies, I completed various internships in National Parks, Nature Parks, and Biosphere Reserves – both in Germany and across Europe. These hands-on experiences confirmed that this is the professional field where I truly belong. Through my internships and my student work with Nationale Naturlandschaften e.V. (EUROPARC Germany), I had the opportunity to build a strong network. This helped me transition directly into a full-time role as a Specialist for Protected Area Management with Nationale Naturlandschaften e.V. (EUROPARC Germany) shortly after finishing my degree.
Alberto: I always felt close to nature, but I didn’t choose it purposely as a career path. I got in touch with the field of nature conservation in 2018 when I joined the Youth Advisory Board of the Julian Prealps Nature Park, as a way to get out of my comfort zone. Thanks to this decision, little by little, I became more involved in the Park’s life, to the point of being asked to do an Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) experience. At the end of it, both the Park and I wanted to keep working together, so now I have a contract till the end of the year. Now I know that this is what I want to do in my life, and I am already thinking about ways of making it happen.
Photo credit: Marla Schulz
Can you tell us more about your current project(s)?
Marla: Since 2024, I’ve been a member of the EUROPARC Federation Youth Council, a role I started while still finishing my Master’s. Over the past two years, we’ve developed and participated in various exciting projects. One highlight was our recent “Youth+ and Beyond” networking event in April 2025, where we brought together youth groups from Protected Areas across Europe for meaningful exchange.
One of the participating groups was the German Youth Network Biosphere (Jugendnetzwerk Biosphäre e.V.), of which I’m also a founding member. Since our founding in 2023, we’ve focused on strengthening youth participation within Germany’s Biosphere Reserves. We organise three annual seminars in different reserves, where we connect with local management teams, explore the landscapes, work on our internal structures, and engage in peer learning.
Alberto: With the Youth Advisory Board, we conduct many activities throughout the year to involve people in the life of the Park and the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve. For example, we just launched the third edition of the Julian Alps Film Festival, an event that brings movies to rural areas. We are proud to see more and more people at our events, especially those who aren’t active members of the communities we visit.
Due to my experience with my youth group, I decided to apply for the EUROPARC Youth Council, and I am proud that I was selected as one of its ten members. We are doing our best to bring the voice of youth into the day-to-day life of EUROPARC and build a stronger Youth+ Community. It’s not always easy because we don’t have the chance to meet in person, but I feel the passion of my colleagues and I’m glad that I have the opportunity to work with them.
Photo credit: Alberto Madrassi
Why is it important to celebrate the European Day of Parks?
Marla: I think it’s wonderful that we have a dedicated day to highlight Europe’s incredible diversity of natural spaces. Protected Areas across Europe are home to unique landscapes and ecosystems – and this day helps raise awareness about them.
It’s also a chance to showcase innovative projects and foster exchange across borders, uniting us around a shared mission: the protection of our natural heritage. That spirit of connection is at the heart of the European community. I’d also like to highlight the European Youth Day in Parks on 15th September, which is a great opportunity for youth groups to take part and share their perspectives. As the Youth Council, we’re planning to contribute and encourage others to join too.
Alberto: Celebrating the European Day of Parks is a nice way to remind people of the importance of Protected Areas and the work they do for nature and local communities. It is a valuable opportunity to involve the general public in the life of PAs. In my area, every year the Julian Prealps Nature Park organises a festival called Parkfest. During the event, delegations of nearby Parks and Nature Reserves come to showcase their uniqueness, joined by folk groups and artisans. It is also an opportunity to strengthen longstanding connections and build new ones.
Photo credit: Marla Schulz
Any advice for early-career conservation leaders?
Alberto: I feel I am not in the position to give advice, since I’m in the field by chance. I just want to say: take all the opportunities you can and always show passion and dedication. This is what made the difference for me.
Marla: I believe gaining practical experience is absolutely essential. If possible, do as many internships as you can – they offer invaluable insights and help you understand where you want to go. If you’re able to find a student job in the field you’re aiming to work in later, even better! There are also so many opportunities out there specifically for young people – from conferences and workshops to information events and webinars. I would encourage everyone to take advantage of these whenever time and energy allow. For me, it was crucial to step outside the “university bubble” and get a sense of the real working world during my studies. So my biggest advice would be: explore, try things out, get involved – and don’t be afraid to take up space in the field early on.
Photo credit: Marla Schulz
What has been your favourite experience with nature or what is your favourite way to connect with nature?
Alberto: My favourite experience in nature so far was an early morning hike I did in Scotland during the Cairngorms Youth Climate Camp in August 2023. The sun was rising when I got out of my tent and started walking headed to Craiggowrie. There was a peaceful silence, broken only by a chill wind that created a marvellous effect on the heather. When I reached the top, I paused to enjoy the view, grateful for not having listened to my lazy side.
Marla: One of the most breathtaking moments I’ve ever had in nature was during a volunteer project in 2021, monitoring sea turtles on the island of Crete. I witnessed a sea turtle laying her eggs at night – sitting quietly at a respectful distance and watching her disappear back into the ocean afterward. It was magical.
In general, I feel most grounded and at peace when I’m outside, surrounded by nature. Listening to birdsong, breathing in the forest air, and enjoying the deep, calming silence – that’s when I feel most connected to the world.
