Background Endemic forests with Juniperus spp. is listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive as a priority habitat for conservation. In Cyprus, there is currently no documented evidence that active conservation measures have ever been implemented for the protection and restoration of this habitat, which is threatened by natural regeneration, fire, fragmentation, leisure activities, climate change and dust. Objectives The JUNIPERCY project’s primary objective was to promote and enable the long-term conservation of endemic forests with Juniperus spp. in Cyprus. This is the first project to target this habitat in its known locations in Cyprus, within three Natura 2000 network sites. The project aimed to put into practice, test, evaluate and disseminate actions and methodologies that were previously unfamiliar to the Cypriot geographical, ecological and socio-economical context. Specifically, the project aimed to understand, quantify and halt the natural and anthropogenic threats contributing to habitat degradation; design and implement actions for habitat protection and long-term restoration; and provide support for better environmental governance in Natura 2000 network sites through stakeholder involvement. Results The JUNIPERCY project contributed to the consolidation of knowledge concerning the protection, restoration, monitoring and evaluation for the Annex I Habitats Directive priority-listed habitat ‘Endemic forests with Juniperus spp.’ (9560*) in Cyprus. The habitat was mapped, demarcated and protected in three Natura 2000 network sites: Madari-Papoutsa, Chersonisos Akama, and Troodos National Forest Park. Four Juniperus species in these locations were specifically targeted: Juniperus oxycedrus (prickly juniper) and J. foetidissima (stinking juniper) at Troodos; J. excelsa (Greek juniper) at Madari; and J. phoenicea (Phoenicean juniper) at Akama. The project’s preparatory work documented the extent, ecological characteristics, and natural and anthropogenic threats affecting the Juniperus forest habitat in Cyprus for the first time. The mapping work provided evidence of almost a threefold extent of the habitat type compared to previous estimates; specifically the targeted habitat type with Juniperus foetidissima that was originally thought to cover an area of 96.3 ha (87.3 ha pure stands and 8.9 ha mixed habitat), actually extends over 263.4 ha (70.6 ha pure and 192.8 ha mixed). In addition, a new mixed habitat with Juniperus oxycedrus (1 ha) was mapped in Troodos National Forest Park. The updating of the habitat's extent and location were codified in updated Standard Data Forms sent to national and European authorities. Following the creation of detailed maps, monitoring and habitat management plans were developed, and the impacts of visitors assessed and reported, for the three habitat locations. Concrete conservation actions were implemented to provide sustainable management and effective habitat restoration. Enhancement of the habitat's conservation status was effected by replanting with saplings of all four Juniperus spp., protecting (e.g. micro-fencing) and irrigating the saplings, erecting barrier fencing to restrict vehicle access and protect against uncontrolled grazing (e.g. goats), clearing competitive vegetation and removing dried biomass, constructing fire-breaks to prevent the spread of forest fires, and putting in place two water tanks and fire protection signage. To restore the habitat’s floristic composition and structure, characteristic species other than Juniper were planted and sustainable control of seed/fruit predators applied. This floristic diversity helped to deter colonisation by invasive exotic species, while areas of the non-native invasive Robinia pseudoacacia were removed at Troodos. Protection from erosion with small-scale relief modifications, and shading of young saplings, were also done. The project demonstrated best practice, and produced habitat protection and restoration guidelines. Ex situ conservation and propagation of the four Juniperus spp. took place through the collection of seed and the establishment of protocols on storage, germination, growth and planting out. The first seed bank for forest species in Cyprus was established. In addition, the production of several thousand saplings and their maintenance at the Botanical Gardens of Troodos National Forest Park will ensure that a supply of each of the four species of Juniperus will be available for future restoration and reforestation. Two of the three sites where the habitat occurs in Cyprus are popular tourist destinations. The project improved the visitor infrastructure at these sites, with the addition of information and direction signs, rubbish bins, and restriction barriers. Litter was also cleared. Visitors were guided to avoid sensitive areas and forewarned of forest fire risks. Local communities near the sites were involved and informed of the benefits of preserving the habitats for visitors, through workshops with stakeholders, and the development and presentation of environmental education material and activities at local schools. The project bought socio-economic benefits through enhanced visitor experience. Forest personnel were informed of the importance of the Juniperus species and trained in habitat protection and reforestation. Dissemination of the project results to the general public was implemented through the website, a 20-minute documentary film, leaflets, three newsletters, the layman's report, press releases and meetings. Networking with four other LIFE projects dealing with Juniperus spp. was conducted, with exchange of visits and know-how. A scientific committee, a stakeholders committee and experts' workshop provided important advice and discussion to guide the conservation actions, and scientific presentations were made at conferences. The coordinating beneficiary, which is competent for the surveillance of forest land in Cyprus, will monitor the After-LIFE conservation actions. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).