Background The importance of the Emilia Romagna region in terms of biodiversity is well known. The area includes evaporites, a sedimentary rock formed by the precipitation of salts, and the chalky outcrops on the hills that run from Reggio Emilia to Ravenna are among the largest in Europe. The project actions will be carried out in all six of the region’s Natura 2000 network sites that include the habitat type 'caves that are not open to the public'. Some 10% of Europe’s Natura 2000 sites that contain this particular subtype of habitat will be affected by the project. Objectives The main objective of the project is the protection of the habitat caves in the specific context of gypsum karst ecosystems. The other natural habitats connected with this karst landscape listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive to be addressed by the project are: 8210, 6110* and 7210*. Among the species linked with these habitats, the project aims to monitor and protect the troglophilous chiropteran population. Expected results: Closing of 15 natural and four artificial caves and the protection of more than 10 km of habitat 8310; Protection and conservation of all bat species (20) present in the Natura 2000 sites; Increased protection resulting from land purchase (28.5 ha) of more than 15 Km of caves; Requalification of 27 caves more than 20 km long; Long-term management of all the habitats of EU interest associated with the chalky formations, including some 700 caves not open to the public; Restoration of 3 000 m2 of *7210 Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae; Increase the buffer zone by 1 ha to reduce nutrient flows into the caves; Restoration of 360 m2 of the habitats *6110 and 8210 through selective cutting of infesting vegetation; Reduction of trampling through direct protection of the habitat 6110 *Rupicolous calcareous or basophilic grasslands of the Alysso-Sedion albi; An increased number of roosting sites for bats; Increased knowledge of the 8310, 8210, *6110 and *7210 habitats and the bat species present at the sites; Exchange of best practices and experiences with other projects; Involvement of speleologists in managing the karst caves; and Increased awareness among stakeholders, tourists and local schools.