Background The National Park of Cilento is the second largest National Park in Italy and includes a wide range of habitat types. However, it lacks a coordinated strategy for the management of its many Sites of Community Interest (SCIs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which are now included in the Natura 2000 network. For some of these sites, notably those in the forests, population losses have been recorded for priority species. Coastal dune habitats are threatened by tourism, with particular damage resulting from people crossing the dunes on vehicles or on foot. Offshore, the mooring of boats is causing damage to the Neptune grass habitat while the Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica) beds habitat is being damaged by the mooring of boats. Finally, local communities need to be made aware of the character and fragility of their natural environment. Objectives The main objective of the project was to establish a regulatory system for the network of Natura 2000 sites within the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park. The elaboration and adoption of management plans would be conducted through a participatory process. The project would also undertake several urgent conservation actions to benefit plant and animal species in a variety of habitat types. Results The project succeeded in establishing a coherent Management Plan covering all 16 Natura 2000 sites in the Cilento National Park. The plan was approved by Campania Region. A number of conservation actions were also successfully implemented: In mountain beech forests, “old growth” stands were established for the benefit of rare fauna species linked to mature forests; Dune habitats were protected with fences and pathways, whilst metal grids were used to protect caves that host bat colonies; Tree thinning was carried out in coastal pine forests and local plant species were planted to conserve dune habitats; and Steps were taken to reduce the impact on the Neptune grass beds. Specifically, two mooring buoy fields were installed to limit the damage done by ships' anchors and an underwater trail was established to confine tourist activity. In addition, the beneficiary erected information panels in the national park as part of a programme to raise awareness of local environmental issues. The fact that the management plans for all sites were officially approved by the regional administration should guarantee the future continuation of activities and the maintenance of the project's achievements. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).