Background The project targets a range of fauna species found in Ticino Park - 15 species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive and Annex II, IV and V of the Habitats Directive. The park acts as a source of biodiversity for the whole Padana Plain, hosting most of the species of conservation interest related to this geographic area. Currently, it is the main ecological corridor connecting the Apennines and the Alps, amplifying its role as a source area of biodiversity. Many species, however, are threatened by the loss or degradation of their habitats, especially areas suitable for reproduction and feeding activities. Intensification of agriculture has played a significant role in the decline of typical species found in open habitats. Of particular concern are the loss and degradation of wetlands and the degradation of streams, springs and secondary water courses. In the past few years, the ‘dry’ cultivation of rice, which creates unsuitable habitats for foraging, has become a major threat. A further threat is the introduction of invasive alien species (IAS). Objectives The main aim of the LifeTicinoBiosource project is to preserve and increase the biodiversity heritage of Ticino Park. The project will target more than 15 species for which the park hosts the most important known populations or is even the only site where they are found. These include the Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii), whose only naturally breeding population occurs in the River Ticino, and Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), whose breeding population in the park is one of the most numerous in Italy. The project will carry out the following species and habitat conservation actions: Designation of a new Natura 2000 network site to protect the only known spawning area for the Adriatic sturgeon; Active defence of this spawning area by establishing and training a task force of stakeholders; Reintroduction of European sturgeon (Huso huso) in the River Ticino (and therefore in the Po basin); Ecological restoration of springs and little streams for the conservation of fish species of Community interest typical of these habitats; Restoration and creation of wetland habitats for breeding, migratory and wintering birds at Motta Visconti and Bernate Ticino; Establishment of rafts with marsh vegetation for creating new sites for breeding, migrating and wintering birds; Management of lowland wet meadows habitats in favour of birds and butterflies; and Actions for the conservation of riparian forest habitats included in Annex I of Habitat Directive at Motta Visconti and Bernate Ticino. The project also aims to increase awareness about the project actions and its aims among the local population, creating nature trails, school packages and informative leaflets. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: The designation of the lower part of Ticino River as part of a 180 ha SCI “Spawning area of Acipenser naccarii” and the activation of the process for its designation as a Natura 2000 network site; Creation and training of a task force focused on the control and protection of the Adriatic sturgeon spawning areas that will be continue to function after the LIFE project; Reduction of the presence during summer of the wels catfish in at least 50% of the Adriatic sturgeon spawning areas; Restoration of 5.7 ha of natural water habitats of target fish species, with an increase by at least 20% compared with their number before the actions; 9 000 m3 of new ponds, 7 000 m2 of new reed beds and 8 000 m2 of new wetland, with colonisation of target species of birds in Motta Visconti; New embankment suitable for establishing a nature trail in Motta Visconti; Creation of 2 ha of European dry heath habitat and 3 ha of wet woodlands and restoration of 11 ha of riparian mixed forests in Motta Visconti; Creation and restoration of 4 ha of woodland and 12 ha of riparian mixed forests in Bernate Ticino; Restoration of 6 500 m2 of wetlands in Bernate Ticino; Installation of 4 000 m2 of floating rafts with marsh vegetation and with gravel, with colonisation of bird target species, in the basins of Arno stream, at Lonate Pozzolo; Flooding of 75 ha of lowland wet meadows to favour migratory and wintering birds; Reintroduction of the European sturgeon to Italy through the release of at least 4 000 European sturgeon juveniles to Ticino Park; and Implementation of an educational programme engaging primary schoolchildren.