Friends' Habitat Network

RISE has launched a network of Friends’ Habitats in order to recognize particularly attractive and environmentally friendly private properties accessible to the public (on special occasions or by appointment). Membership requires the approval by the Board of the RISE Foundation, including the representatives of the European Landowners Organisation (ELO) and the Friends of the Countryside (FCS). The Friends’ Habitat Network is a commitment to respect seven conditions and by doing so to contribute to a better rural conservation. The conditions are the following:

1. Be a private property
2. Respect the natural, cultural, and historic heritage, with bi-annual reports on actions undertaken or envisaged.
3. Develop sustainable practices regarding the conservation, management and promotion of renewable natural resources, such as the fauna, the flora and the landscape.
4. Plan and implement activities for the education of the new generations of landowners and managers of public relations, and/or at least authorize appropriate access to the public.
5. Respect of legal and ecological constraints such as Natura 2000 where applicable.
6. Identify a Head manager of the site.
7. Be a member of the FCS or of an association linked to the ELO or the FCS, or agree to join either.

The Caraguay Estate of Carlos Otero, Founding member of the RISE Friends Habitat Network. It carries the Friends Habitat  Network shield pledging his allegiance to sustainable land management practises and support for the RISE Foundation.

And the RISE shield up close!