Background Along the flyway of Northern Coastal Gulf of Finland, waterfowl and waders wintering in the southern part of the Baltic Sea and the coasts of the North Sea migrate in the spring to their breeding regions and in the autumn back to their wintering regions. The 12 project areas along the flyway are internationally valuable bird-rich wetlands in which 35 species mentioned in Annex I of the Birds Directive either rest or breed. Important species such as Cygnus cygnus, C. columbianus and Mergus albellus use them for resting. Among the breeding species are Crex crex and Botaurus stellaris. These areas are also important habitats for many plant and insect species mentioned in the Habitats directive. A major part of the Leucorrhinia pectoralis population in Finland and of the entire Natura 2000 network lives in the project areas. Overgrowth of meadows, lack of open water areas, small predators, uncontrolled visitor access and low public awareness in some places are threats to these project sites. Objectives The main objective was to establish a functional network of N2000 wetland areas along the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland flyway and to secure favourable conservation status for wetland species mentioned in the Birds and Habitats Directives, by restoration and management of 12 wetlands in southern Finland. Participatory planning was to be used to settle the conflicts between conservation and other land use. Mowing, grazing and clearing of trees and bushes would increase open meadows by more than 200 ha. Removal of aquatic plants would increase the open water area by 70 ha, thus extending the area of mosaic habitats by almost 190 ha. Improving hydrological conditions of coastal meadows (70 ha) would enhance the quality and naturalness of coastal habitats. Hunting of small predators would improve the breeding success of wetland birds and thereby the diversity of bird communities. Controlling of recreational use would reduce the damages and secure undisturbed breeding and resting for many bird species. The accessibility and recreational facilities would be improved through the addition of information boards, nature paths and bird towers and the removal of eyesores. Dissemination and awareness activities were planned to increase interest in and appreciation of the project areas among the local population. Results The project reached all foreseen targets, taking into account minor amendments to the restoration and management actions. Management plans were drafted and approved for all project areas (covering 3 353 ha in total). These plans were largely implemented during the project period. A number of restoration activities took place. Some 87 ha of land was cleared of trees and bushes, while reed beds were removed from approximately 185 ha of coastal meadows by crushing, mowing and grinding. A total of 176 ha of new pastures were established and the grazing was started during the project. The long-term management of the pastures is secured through agri-environmental support agreements made with local farmers. The water vegetation was removed and dredged and the mosaic structure of wetlands was increased in some 163 ha. The project redirected and branched ditches and created canals to improve the moisture conditions of 76 ha of wetlands. In all, 40 small ponds were created as foreseen to benefit wetland insects, mainly dragonflies. An old dumpsite was restored and landscaped to benefit insects preferring dry sandy slopes. The risk of power lines for birds was reduced by cabling a power line to the bank and placing visible balls on the power lines. To reduce the risk to the offspring of wetland birds during the breeding season, small alien predatory mammals (e.g. American minks and common raccoons) were trapped with the help of the regional game management districts and volunteers from local hunting clubs. The results of the restoration and management actions are outstanding, in particular on wetland birds. Numbers of both nesting and staging birds have increased considerably in the project areas. The project actively developed nature education about wetlands and organised excursions for pupils and the public and education material for schools (including wetland cards, a book and a video on wetland excursions). To enhance the recreational use of the project areas, 14 bird watching sites were added, as well as car parks, nature trails and general information boards. The value of wetlands for nature conservation and education and recreational use was actively promoted to the media with good success. Thirty public meetings (or working group meetings were held). The project received mostly positive feedback. This project has been awarded the title of "Best of the Best" from a shortlist of 26 "Best" LIFE Nature projects in 2007-2008.