Background The distribution area of the Macaronesian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus granti) is restricted to the island of Madeira and to some islands of the Canary archipelago (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro). It is a bird of prey that favours forest environments, especially low-growing shrub areas (heathers, hollies and beeches). However, the species can still be seen near agricultural fields, open spaces or urban areas, which it uses as hunting grounds. Although there are no accurate data on its actual population on the island of Madeira, it is estimated at between 1 000 and 2 500 individuals, whereas in the Canary Islands it is thought that the population is between 250 and 1 000 pairs. The species is faithful to its territory, building a new nest each year in a location close to the previous one. Considering recent changes in its habitat, particularly due to the expansion of invasive exotic plants, which have significantly reduced the potential nesting area, the recovery of areas of laurel forest habitat is essential in order not to compromise the reproductive capacity of the species, and thus its conservation. Objectives The project is targeting the conservation of the Macaronesian sparrowhawk and its habitat, the Madeira Macaronesian laurel forest. Specific objectives include: Controlling the invasive alien plant populations in the laurel forest; The recovery of a significant area of burnt Laurel forest, including the production of native vegetation in nurseries, and the creation of suitable conditions for its natural re-establishment; The training and establishment of a qualified team, specialised in controlling invasive alien species; The implementation of conservation measures for the Laurel forest, which contribute to the conservation of the Macaronesian sparrowhawk and other biodiversity; Improving knowledge about population trends of the Macaronesian sparrowhawk on Madeira and the Canary islands, providing essential information about its ecology; Promoting public awareness of the conservation of Laurissilva habitat and species outlined in the Annexes of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, through the development of activities in the project area and workshops or thematic lectures; Ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the measures through engagement with the local/regional administration and the local population, leading to a change in behavior among stakeholders and those economically and/or traditionally linked to the use of this environment; The creation of executive and scientific commissions to follow up on the management of the Laurissilva habitat and the Macaronesian sparrowhawk, in the framework of a long-term strategy. Expected results: In general terms, the expected results include: the recovery of a significant area of Laurel forest habitat (76.20 ha), as a result of the eradication of invasive alien plants (re-establishment of 14.6 ha in Ginjas and 21.6 ha in Assumadores), the plantation of 40 000 native plants and the reforestation of 20 ha (distributed by 40 ha) of burned areas in Terra Chã with 22 000 native plants. Also expected is the generation of increased knowledge about the distribution, ecology and population trends of the Macaronesian sparrowhawk on Madeira and the Canaries; the establishment of adequate conservation measures for this priority sub-species, cited in the EU Birds Directive; and greater awareness about the species and ecosystems in question among the general public, local farmers and stakeholders.