Background The Alpilles, located in the department of Les Bouches-du-Rhone, is a small, low-altitude mountain range, an extension of the much larger Luberon range, with a unique limestone geomorphology in comparison with the rest of the Alps. The massif, which is part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas, is an important part of the local Provencal identity, with its landscapes shaped by traditional human activities such as pastoralism and agriculture. Some 27 bird species of Community interest (i.e. identified as needing conservation under the EU Birds Directive) are found within the Alpilles Natura 2000 site. Active conservation work has been carried out there since 1989, to protect these species. Despite these efforts, however, many rare and endangered bird species are still declining. Objectives The ‘LIFE des Alpilles’ project is an integrated initiative (i.e. taking into account all factors related to sustainable land management) targeting the preservation of the area’s natural environment. Its overall goal is to maintain and restore the populations of 13 bird species of Community interest. Specific goals are to: Strengthen the link between human activities and the preservation of bird biodiversity; Help local stakeholders to understand the ecological importance of the sites/species targeted; Confirm the area’s ornithological importance by enhancing good practices. Expected results: 1. The maintenance and restoration of the populations of 13 EU Birds Directive-listed species, including: The restoration of 150-180 ha of bird habitat in the Natura 2000 site; A 20% reduction in the amount of phyto-sanitary products used in the ‘pilot’ areas; The restoration and diversification of 5 km of hedgerows. 2) Behavioural improvements with increased public awareness of birds and their ecological needs, including: The testing of alternative farming practices involving at least 12 volunteer farmers; The training of some 45 farmers in alternative, but economically viable, agricultural practices, aimed at meeting specific ecological objectives; A proposal for improved consideration of birds in agricultural practices translated into 6 languages (6 000 copies distributed). 3) Improved awareness and understanding of ecological issues among local actors, including: Awareness raising among schoolchildren (targeting 16 classes totalling c. 400 pupils); Informing 5 000 young people about the preservation of birds in the Alpilles; An exhibition highlighting the links between human activities and birds; An awareness- raising meeting (for the general public). 4) The strengthening of eco-tourism in the project area, including: Better regulation of visitor numbers in sensitive sites; The training of (20) accommodation owners and the supply of ‘observation kits’ to better promote ‘ornithological tourism’; An information cabin with at least 1 000 visitors/year; The distribution of 5 000 copies of an ornithological chart. 5) Research and knowledge transfer in France and Europe, with a resulting improvement in knowledge about the links between birds and agriculture.