Background The loss of biodiversity in the European Union has accelerated dramatically in the last few decades. In Germany, half the animal species and half the plant species on the German Red List are threatened with extinction, and two-thirds of biotopes are endangered. Up to 50% of protected areas and Natura 2000 sites in Germany are isolated. Therefore, one of the most important measures needed to reduce the loss of biodiversity is the creation of green corridors, thereby connecting biotopes and thus facilitating the migration and area-extension of species. The implementation of 20 000 km of green corridors would help to protect biodiversity in 6 million hectares of forest biotope. However, in densely populated countries like Germany, it is difficult to establish such networks. Many conflicting interests regarding land use need to be overcome, while the loss of biodiversity is still not considered a major problem for society. Objectives The main objective of the Netze des Lebens project was to raise awareness and increase acceptance of the necessity of connecting forest habitats, through the creation of green corridors for mobile species such as the wildcat. The wildcat is an indicator of biodiversity related to forests, and its public appeal makes it ideal for communication purposes. Its population is regarded as endangered. The creation of corridors for this flagship species will make an important contribution to the protection of biodiversity in forest ecosystems. The LIFE project’s communication campaign addressed authorities and politicians, who are obliged by law to implement the linking of biotopes. The project aimed to inform at least 300 policymakers. Information was also targeted at the general public, especially people living close to the planned corridors, and at school children and teachers. Public appreciation of biological diversity should help persuade politicians to take this subject more seriously. The main emphasis of the project’s communication strategy was in Germany and the Austrian part of the Thayatal Park. Results The project’s coordinating beneficiary BUND developed a model to optimally link forest habitats. This provided a basis for planning decisions aimed at protecting biodiversity. The majority of federal state and regional spatial plans will be adapted in the next few years, offering a unique opportunity to integrate the planning of green corridors to connect forest areas. Through the creation of corridors comprising shrubs and trees, the aim was to re-establish a forest biotope network 20 000 km in length in the long term. During the Netze des Lebens project a wide range of PR activities was launched to further this goal. The dissemination part of the project was complex, involving numerous actions and a wide range of stakeholders. More than 200 million contacts with people were achieved by the project through various campaigns and media activities conducted by the beneficiaries. A follow-up project, funded by the German government, demonstrated that the LIFE project provided a good basis for further activities to protect the habitat of wildcats in Germany. Communication channels used were print and broadcast media, Internet communications, including a website, the distribution of brochures, and exhibitions. Green corridors created during the LIFE project have already been used by wildcats. DNA analyses of wildcat hairs collected in Hainich national park and Hoerselberge forest in Thuringia, for example, showed that at least one wildcat migrated between these sites using a green corridor. Following on from the LIFE project, the Wildcat Leap Project, sponsored by the German Federal Environment Ministry, provides the opportunity to protect the wildcat in the long-term. Moreover, the Pathway Plan for the Wildcat has been incorporated in the state development plans of Hesse and Thuringia. The right planning conditions have therefore been achieved for the creation of a consistent forest network of more than 1 000 km. The Netze des Lebens project team focused from the beginning on the sustainability of the implemented measures. Long-term use concepts were discussed with stakeholders before the activities started. Nature trails and information stations, for instance, established in corridor enclosures are secured for many years and will have a lasting impact. Initiatives are necessary to stop the reduction of biodiversity under the UN Biodiversity Convention, which was adopted by the EC in 2006. One of the results of the global Millennium Ecosystems Assessment was that ecosystems in EU countries suffer much more fragmentation compared to other regions of the world. The Netze des Lebens project addressed both biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. The LIFE project’s main innovation was the focus on awareness-raising campaigns and discussions with multiple stakeholders, with a message that reached a large number of people. This was achieved through activities with a high demonstration value, and initiatives that illustrated wildcat biology and the need to improve biotope networks in Germany. The beneficiaries will maintain internationally established contacts, particularly with NGOs in neighbouring countries, to further promote green corridors. BUND is also transferring the experience gained during the LIFE project to other conservation projects. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).