Background Wetlands are still often considered as unproductive and, therefore, reclaimed for agricultural use. Variation in water levels and a lack of buffer zones also threaten these areas. However, the loss of wetlands implies a loss of suitable resting sites for migratory birds, as well as valuable wintering, nesting and feeding areas for a variety of other bird species. This project focuses on a Site of Community Importance (SCI), the ‘Wetlands of Capitanata.’ This site contains the Frattarolo Nature Reserve, the mouth of the Candelaro river and the Siponto coastal dunes. It is part of the most important area in southern Italy for water birds, and one of the most important in the wider Mediterranean basin. As well as wetlands, the area also includes costal lagoons and Mediterranean salt steppes, which are also important for bird species during migration and wintering. They also provide breeding grounds for ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca). This project will be undertaken in close collaboration with the LIFE+ project, “Avifauna Del Lago Salso” (LIFE07 NAT/IT/000507). Objectives The ZONE UMIDE SIPONTINE project aims to achieve a global environmental restoration of the SCI, “Wetlands of Capitanata”. Specifically, it aims to improve the conservation status of priority wetland, coastal-dune, coastal-lagoon and Mediterranean salt-steppe habitats contained within the site, and provide associated benefits for bird species. The project will: Restore 40 ha of coastal lagoons; Recover 110 ha of Mediterranean salt steppes (Limonietalia); Restore 1 500 metres of coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.; Improve 30 ha of wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus pinaster. To reduce human impact on the priority habitats, the beneficiary will erect fences and build paths to control and direct tourists within the target area. Indirectly, the project actions will help to boost the populations of many bird species, such as waterfowl, waders and raptors, including the pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus), the great bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus), red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). Some of the other birds to benefit include priority species, such as the globally threatened slender-billed curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) and the near-threatened ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca). Expected results: Restoration and/or recovery of 180 ha of priority habitats and 1 500m of coastal dunes; Reduced human impact on priority wetland areas; Increased number of priority birds species in the area, including slender-billed curlew and ferruginous duck.