Background The Sado Estuary is a key wetland area consisting of habitats, such as salt pans, which are important feeding and resting grounds for many bird species of Community importance. These include the flamingo (Phoenicopterus rubber), the bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica), the ruff (Philomachus pugnax), the avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), the wader – (Himanthopus himanthopus) and the little tern (Sterna albifrons). However, the extent and quality of these habitats has been substantially reduced, as a result of the introduction of rice fields and fish farms, and through abandonment. For example, strong pressure is being exerted to convert the saltpans into fish and shrimp farms. These activities need water levels high above those of the salt tanks and which are unsuitable for feeding and breeding of waders. The poaching of eggs and chicks by domestic animals and the lack of awareness among the local population and visitors contribute to the vulnerability of the area and habitat loss. Objectives The objective was to combat the problems of habitat loss. Planned measures included the acquisition of around 100 ha of salt pans and the signing of management agreements for more than 150 ha. The actions would be followed by fencing, the repair of sluices and reservoirs and proper management of water levels to ensure ideal feeding and nesting conditions for birds. Other measures would include increased wardening throughout the SPA, measures to raise awareness among the salt workers and salt pan owners, the setting up of information trails and an observation station for the public, and the arranging of guided tours for local schools. There were also plans to produce a booklet and video and to organise a travelling exhibition. Results The project failed to achieve its objectives. The beneficiary collected water samples in several saltpan areas in order to search for the possibility of getting some kind of salt certification, but this process didn't advance further. The project suffered severe delays in most of the actions. These were caused by the change of ICN’s presidency and the financial restrictions imposed by the new Portuguese Government during 2002, and unexpected problems, like the departure of project staff. The final report of 2006 confirmed that half of the actions were not executed and the remaining ones, with the exception of the actions linked to the project monitoring and awareness, were much reduced. Moreover, the beneficiary didn’t produce any of the intended deliverables.