Background Two types of natural forest habitats found in western Bulgaria, identified as a priority for conservation in the EU Habitats Directive, face similar threats and conservation problems. They are are: Pannonian woods with Quercus pubescens and Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior. In recent decades, vast tracts of these natural forests, rich in biodiversity, have been cut down and replaced with more productive, commercial monocultures of non-native species such as Pinus nigra, Pinus Sylvestris, Gleditschia triacanthos, Robinia pseudoacacia and others. Biodiversity aspects were neglected or underestimated. Two designated Natura 2000 network sites – Plana and Dragoman – situated in low mountainous areas of western Bulgaria, have been selected as target sites for conservation and restoration actions. Objectives The objective of the BGNATURAGENEFUND project was to improve the conservation status of two Natura 2000 network sites - Plana and Dragoman in Western Bulgaria - by reintroducing Pannonian woods (with Quercus pubescens) and Alluvial forests (with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior). This indirectly benefited a number of other priority habitats. The project also established a genetic seed bank for tree species to help the ex-situ conservation and restoration of seven priority habitats. Results The BGNATURAGENEFUND project restored target priority for conservation habitats in a way that stimulated natural regeneration patterns. This was done by collecting genetic material from different regions, reforesting with a broad variety of forest species typically found in the target Natura 2000 sites (SCIs), planting seedlings and sawing acorns. The project planted 40 ha of Pannonian woods with Quercius pubescens and Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior which directly contributed to increasing the overall coverage of the two target habitats within the target SCIs. The growth and development of this newly planted forest enhanced habitat connectivity and contributed to the future improvement in the conservation status of the target habitats of the Plana and Dragoman Natura 2000 sites. The works also brought indirect benefits to a number of priority forest habitats such as Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines; Pannonic woods with Quercus petrae and Carpinus betulus; Euro-Siberian steppic woods with Quercus spp; (Sub) Mediteranean pine forests with endemic black pines; and endemic forests with Juniperus spp. These habitat restoration works which were implemented after consultation of all relevant stakeholders, brought results that clearly demonstrated to the Bulgarian forestry sector that reforestation and restoration of forest habitats is possible and financially viable. The works also demonstrated that reforestation/restoration provides sustainable results with long term environmental, economic and social benefits. Another main project action was to establish a gene bank for forest reproduction material and provision of plants for restoration that ensured that the genetic fund of the priority species and habitats was conserved. The project established a gene bank for the storage of reproductive material collected for 26 species as well as a nursery for seedlings at Lokorsko facility. By establishing the gene bank the project ensured that the necessary genetic resources for habitat restoration will be available in future.. In terms of innovation and demonstration value, the project developed a cooperation model between various state institutions as well as management approaches and conservation methods that proved to be effective and produced positive conservation results. According to the feedback from biodiversity and forestry experts, the achieved results have clear replication potential both at regional and national levels. The project also carried out awareness-raising activities among the local and general population on the need to adapt forest management to factors such as climate change. The project had clear socio-economic impacts by hiring a number of seasonal workers for the restoration work and the activities relating to seed collection and seeding production. Indirect social and economic benefits were also achieved through the services provided by the newly recreated forests such as timber production, sources of mushrooms, herbs and game for the local community. The recreational opportunities and ecosystems services provided by the project also brought positive effects on human health and well-being. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).