Background Spanning two regions in western France, the Poitevin Marshes ('Marais Poitevin') area is listed as a wetland of international importance according to the Ramsar convention. Some 68 023 ha of marsh is designated as a pSCI and 62 115 ha as an SPA. Once contiguous, the marsh is now divided into three main areas because of the spread of intensive agriculture. The coastal zone is characterised by mud flats, salt meadows and dunes, the core area by flooded salt meadows (wet marshes), non-flooded salt meadows (dried marshes) and an important network of waterways. “Green Venice” is an area under exclusive fresh water influence, characterised by alluvial forests and hedged farmlands with ash-alder stands, and locally alkaline fens and bogs. The site is seriously endangered by intensive agriculture, lack of adequate water management and the absence of traditional management of meadows, alluvial forests and streams. Typical species are threatened by disturbance and (in the case of the European otter – Lutra lutra - collision with vehicles. Objectives The objective of this LIFE Nature project was to improve the conservation status of the Marais de Poitevin Natura 2000 site, and of its species and habitats, through the following actions: Restoring 317 ha of natural grasslands and 10.28 km of the hydrographic network; Purchasing 65 ha of land to carry out specific species/habitat restoration works; Improving knowledge of the marsh and its species, in order to improve management techniques; Drawing up a management plan for 1 700 ha of marshes used as a collective pasture; Setting-up a technical protocol to convert cultivated lands into grasslands; Implementing an existing action plan for the European otter; and Carrying out an awareness campaign at local, national and European level about the ecological value of the site.Results Most of the initial objectives were met: The project restored 384 ha of habitats (wetlands, reed beds, sand dunes, humid forest) and 13 km of ditches. The restoration works have already had an impact on some species, e.g. nesting birds were found in greater numbers on some wetlands following the restoration activities; Ecological inventories were carried out across 3 515 ha of land, leading to an improved knowledge of the species as well as an assessment of the effects of the management activities carried out throughout the LIFE project. The project demonstrated the significant value of grazing and of maintaining water in wetlands; A technical protocol was developed to assist farmers with arable reversion; The project contributed to the implementation of action plan for the European Otter with the identification of locations where road casualties occur most and the construction of two otter ledges in order to reduce the number of otters killed on roads; A significant campaign was carried out to raise awareness among local inhabitants, school children and other stakeholders: 47 information and communication tools and documents were developed, 43 display boards were erected. In total, the beneficiary estimates that more than 14 000 people took part in communication activities (school activities, training courses, open days etc.); The project extended and strengthened the partnership among local stakeholders, with the involvement of 80 different organisations (associations, universities, local councils); and The project acquired 54.47 ha of land with LIFE support (plus an additional 5.4 ha bought with other funding), including 6 ha of humid forest and 48 ha of wetlands.Overall, the work carried out showed local stakeholders what was possible in terms of restoration and management techniques that are beneficial to biodiversity. The project developed some innovative tools and methods. Some of the work done will be continued or transferred to other sites. Even though the project has successfully achieved most of its objectives, its scale was limited since it did not cover the whole Marais Poitevin wetland: only 3 000 ha out of 100 000 ha were targeted. One of the main ongoing challenges is the maintenance of grasslands, with the project only covering some 2 000 ha of the 27 000 ha of grasslands found within the Marais Poitevin. Maintaining grasslands will depend on the implementation of national policies such as agri-environment measures (MAEt) or water management systems (SAGE). Some of these policies (such as MAEt) have already shown limitations in meeting the challenges that the Marais Poitevin faces. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).