Background In the last five years, regional planning for the Lombardy region of northern Italy has focussed on the identification and development of ‘priority areas for biodiversity’ within the “Rete Ecological Regionale” - RER (regional ecological network). The Spina Verde regional park (a Natura 2000 SCI – site of Community Importance) is part of this regional ecological network – due to its connections with some green areas of the Italian-Swiss border; and because of its richness in biodiversity, which includes some 150 vertebrate species and a number of invertebrate species of European importance. According to a recent study of the province of Como, 40% of the species of the entire province (approximately 128 000 ha) are found in the 1 154 ha Spina Verde regional park. Valuable amphibian species present in the park (listed in the annexes of the EU Habitats Directive) include: the Italian agile frog (Rana latastei); Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex); agile frog (Rana damaltina); Italian tree frog (Hyla itermedia) and fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra); the latter also an indicator species of the good status of the forest habitat, “Tilio-Acerion forests on slopes, screes and ravines”. Among the especially valuable reptilian species are the European green lizard (Lacerta viridis) and Aesculapian snake (Elaphe longissima). The site also harbours over 20 rare or endangered species of the EU Birds Directive, including the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), as well as the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). Eight mammal species, among them the Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) and hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) are also present in the park – indicators of the very high quality of the forest habitats: “Pannonian woods with Quercus pubescens” and “Castanea sativa woods”. Objectives The project’s main goal is to improve the conservation status of the following habitats of European importance found in the Spina Verde Natura 2000 SCI: "Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines", "Pannonian woods with Quercus pubescens" and "Castanea sativa woods" – all important for amphibian and invertebrate populations; "Rocky slopes" – a priority habitat, which is also important for raptor species; and “Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds” –important for encouraging the presence of the Italian agile frog. Public awareness and dissemination activities will also be carried out. Expected results: A management plan for the Spina Verde Natura 2000 network site; The restoration and regeneration of 50 ha of Tilio aceron habitat and the establishment of at least 15 ponds to allow the restocking of the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes); The ecological improvement of 500 ha of “Pannonian woods with Quercus pubescens” and chestnut woods, along with the creation of 30 ha of ‘wilderness zones’ that will represent ideal habitat conditions for saproxilogus (dead wood eating) insects, small mammals, reptiles and birds. In addition, a 10 ha-area of fruit trees will be established; The restoration of 3 500 m2 of “Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds” habitats in the Parè area of ponds and wetland forests. These actions are expected to result in a fourfold increase in the presence of the Italian agile frog and other amphibians; The creation of 1 700 m2 of new “Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds” habitat in Valbasca (Como). This is expected to help stabilise the population of endangered amphibians in the area; and The restoration of 150 ha of “rocky slopes” habitat.