Background The natural and semi-natural wetlands of the upper Biebrza Valley host a number of rare and endangered European habitat types listed n the annexes of EU Habitats Directive, such as the priority bog woodlands, as well as alkaline fens, transition mires and quaking bogs and Molinia meadows. These valuable natural and semi-natural wetland habitat types host many rare flora and fauna species highlighted for conservation in the annexes of the Habitats and Birds directives. Despite the high nature value of the area, however, comparison of land-use data has shown that over the past 30 years, forest cover has grown by nearly 95%. And over the same period, the area of non-forested ecosystems has diminished by 57%. The decline of the humid grasslands/meadows is attributed to the abandonment of traditional agricultural practices e.g. grazing and/or cutting regimes, as well as altered and simplified structures of the ecological landscape. The result has been a loss of valuable European plant communities, as well as a decline in important flora species and biotopes and associated fauna. Objectives The project’s overall objective is to increase the biodiversity of the upper Biebrza Valley through the restoration and maintenance of the mosaic of natural and semi natural wetland habitat types. The actions targeting the conservation of the habitats will also benefit a host of rare EU flora and fauna species. Specific project objectives are: Restoration of the mosaic of non-forested wetland ecosystems; Improvement in the conservation status of associated wetland plant communities and especially of biotopes supporting rare bird species associated with the open grassland/ meadows; Improvement of the management efficiency of the project area of Natura 2000 network sites, 92% of which are privately-owned. Natura 2000 is currently viewed by local stakeholders, such as landowners and local and regional authorities, as a factor limiting economic development. A key aim, therefore, will be to demonstrate the economic benefits of land management in accordance with nature protection policies; Groundwater stabilisation of the targeted wetlands; and Integration of the project’s nature protection objectives with the development of tourist activity. Expected results: Stabilisation of the groundwater level of bog woodland (*91D0), alkaline fens (7230), transition mires and quaking bogs (7140) and Molinia meadows (6410), through liquidation of drainage system on some 35 km; Results of hydrological studies carried out over the course of the project will be used in the management of four Natura 2000 sites: “Dolina Biebrzy”, “Ostoja Biebrzańska”, “Puszcza Augustowska”, and “Ostoja Augustowska”; Sustainable land management will be achieved for the targeted habitats, as well as for the habitats of the aquatic warbler through land purchase, or long-term lease of private land; A mosaic of 460 ha of non-forested wetland habitats will be restored and its sustainable management guaranteed; Principles for forest use on some 1 200 ha of bog woodland (*91D0) will be established and a simplified forest inventory plan drawn up for privately-owned forests;Higher protection limits for forests growing on bog woodland (*91D0) will be established, following a ‘participating management model’ based on agreements between self-government bodies and key private stakeholder groups. Implementation of this model will take place through a coordinated strategy for the project area and exchange of information via the GIS platform; and Preservation of Natura 2000 habitats and species will be integrated with local development through small-scale tourist infrastructure.