Background ‘Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.’ is a priority habitat (code 2250*) of the Habitats Directive. The habitat typically comprises juniper species of different morphological forms. The vegetation can vary from dense to sparse, and it may overlap with other coastal habitat types. Over the last decades, the habitat has been subjected to severe anthropogenic pressure and is threatened by: restricted natural regeneration, uncontrolled tourism growth, lack of public awareness, waste disposal, fire, wood cutting and grazing and browsing. Until recently, there were no active conservation measures for the protection and restoration of this threatened habitat in Greece. The habitat is popular as an outdoor destination for recreation, so conservation measures need to take into account its importance to the local economy. Objectives The JUNICOAST project aimed to promote and enable the long-term conservation of ‘Coastal dune habitats with Juniperus spp.’ in Greece. The project sites were selected due to their high ecological significance, the presence of serious threats that demanded an immediate response, their geographic distribution and their suitability for demonstration actions. They represented the full range of habitat characteristics and threats found in all the habitat's locations in Greece. The project’s specific aims were to contribute to the consolidation and dissemination of a knowledge base for the protection, restoration, monitoring and evaluation of this habitat; to understand, quantify and minimise natural and anthropogenic threats contributing to the long-term degradation of the habitat; to design and implement actions for the protection and long-term restoration of coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.; and to provide support for better environmental governance in Natura 2000 sites through stakeholder involvement and training. Results The JUNICOAST project achieved the following results: 239.31 ha of coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. have been demarcated in Crete and 327 wooden sticks have been installed for habitat demarcation; 30 rubbish bins have been installed and all Cretan habitats have been cleared of litter; 340 m of wooden boardwalks have been constructed and installed; 113 directional sticks have been installed along 4.5 km of main trails; 200 m of sand trapping fences have been constructed; 16 information signs have been installed; 184 juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa and other keystone species have been planted; 12 naturally established juveniles of Juniperus macrocarpa have been fenced Thousands of seeds from Juniperus macrocarpa and other 30 keystone species have been collected, cleaned and stored at the seed bank of MAICh; and 134 individuals of invasive species of Pinus brutia have been removed from all Cretan sites. The JUNICOAST project conducted the first in-depth description and characterisation of the habitat ‘Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.’ in four Cretan Natura 2000 sites. It also implemented the first concrete conservation and dissemination actions in the context of a specific geographic area. The conservation actions at all four sites included habitat demarcation, waste removal, enhancement of juniper regeneration, and the restoration of the floristic composition and structure of the target habitat. The knowledge base of the habitat was significantly increased, in particular regarding the geomorphology of coastal dunes in Crete, the dune system plant communities and Juniperus population composition and structure, and the effects of anthropogenic threats on the ecological conditions of the habitat. Conservation and monitoring methods were developed, and promoted through habitat protection and restoration guidelines and monitoring protocols. Preparatory actions included the documentation of landform and land degradation processes in dune systems. Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. were mapped for all Cretan sites. Stakeholder consultation determined the awareness of the value of the habitat and the threats to its survival. Governance structure and legal status of this protected habitat were also researched. The project implemented a number of botanical and infrastructure interventions designed to protect, improve and restore the habitat, including the restoration of dunes. Seeds of Juniperus macrocarpa and all the other keystone species were collected and used to reseed degraded areas. This resulted in enhanced regeneration of Juniperus spp. in key areas, and the restoration of the characteristic floristic composition and structure of the target habitat. Ex situ conservation and propagation of juniper species, the keystone and indicator species of the habitat, ensured that the plant communities can be replanted in the future. Local communities benefit financially from the presence of the ‘coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.’ habitat, through recreational activities such as camping. The project’s communication strategy therefore highlighted that the economic well-being of the local communities depends to a large extent on the conservation and sustainable management of the coastal dunes. An assessment of tourist activities and visitor impact was made from surveys, personal interviews and on-site inspections. Threats from human activities were identified and minimised at all habitat sites. In particular, the project directly addressed the conflict between free-campers and nature conservation. Dunes were stabilised using vegetation and by the installation of wooden sand-trapping fences. Habitat demarcation and information signage, wooden boardwalks and path delineation, benches, tables and waste bins were put in place to reduce the impact of visitors. The communication and public awareness campaign targeted the general public, tour operators, local stakeholders, government officials, school children and the scientific community. Dissemination activities included a project website and the use of social media, leaflets and teaching guidelines, an information film, and T-shirts. The public awareness and dissemination actions also promoted the conservation of the habitat at other sites in the South Aegean, by providing training on the methods implemented in Crete. The wider conservation community was made aware of this particular habitat, the threats to its survival, conservation issues and future monitoring needs. Long-term monitoring protocols for the target habitat were established. The quantifiable indicators included number of Juniperus broken branches, percentage ground cover, number of Juniperus spp. seedlings, percentage exposure of Juniperus spp. roots, total number of plant species, and the presence of invasive species. The project provided support for better environmental governance in Natura 2000 sites through stakeholder involvement and training. Networking with other LIFE projects dealing with coastal dunes and/or juniper species enhanced the exchange of know-how and best practices. The long term sustainability of the project results will be ensured through the creation of European, national and local networks, as well as through the after-LIFE conservation and communication plans. These will ensure the continual updating of the habitat knowledge base, the maintenance of infrastructure and litter removal to minimise visitor impacts, in situ and ex situ conservation activities, monitoring of the threats to plant species and the deployment of wardens for fire protection. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan/After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).