Background A small population of brown bear (Ursus arctos) can be found in the Cordillera Cantábrica. It consists of 80 individuals in two groups, but its viability is seriously under threat. The latest demographic survey showed that the bears have a very low reproduction rate – an average of six births a year – and a high mortality rate particularly among adult females. Ensuring the survival of the she-bears is key to conserving the population. The death of bears, especially of she-bears with young, is due either directly to hunting (shooting), or to the use of illegal methods for controlling other species (steel traps for catching wild boar, use of poison against predators, etc). LIFE-Nature has been supporting initiatives to protect these bear populations since 1992. It has contributed to the implementation of the regional recovery plans adopted for brown bears in the Cantabrian ranges. Objectives The project aimed to conserve the western group of bears by combating its main threat: poaching. It would identify a target area that is habitually used by bears with cubs. To eradicate poaching, three new local wardens would be hired and trained to supervise 60,000 ha of reserves, and awareness-raising activities would be promoted among hunters, schoolchildren and the local population in general. Also, farmers in the area would be encouraged to use electric fencing to prevent crop damage caused by wild boar. This LIFE-Nature project would be carried out by an NGO, which has experience in this type of activity, with the support of regional and national authorities. Results The project had clear conservation benefits for the Natura 2000 network. The population of the western group of the Cantabrian brown bear is gradually increasing as mortality rates decrease with the threat of hunting. Moreover, the population of the target species is now covered by five SCIs, two more than at the project start. A new natural park has been designated under regional law in the project area. Another success of the project was the awareness-raising initiatives among the local populations, hunters and key stakeholders for the conservation of the brown bear. They are also important assets for the future management of the Natura 2000 network. The approach adopted by the beneficiary of combining surveillance with awareness raising by providing the Patrulla Oso (the patrol organisation) with the appropriate skills to undertake both tasks has achieved very good results. It has proved to be way forward for working with stakeholders in the future. Farmers in the area were encouraged to use electric fencing to prevent crop damage caused by wild boar. The project provided 270 electrical fence kits that were installed in croplands or pastureland. The project has also created five direct jobs (project co-ordinator, administrative staff and three wardens) that were maintained after the project end. These appointments will ensure that the continuation of the objectives of the project. Changing the attitudes of stakeholders has also had positive socio-economic effects. The main group targeted, the hunters, are slowly incorporating the bear’s conservation needs into their practices. However, the use of snares remains a threat.