Background Populations of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) are declining throughout the North European lowlands, while the decline of the great crested new (Triturus cristatus) has been observed in Denmark, Estonia, Finland and Germany and is suspected in Lithuania and Poland. Considerable knowledge has been acquired on the design and improvement of pond landscapes of high value for amphibians, thanks mainly to three LIFE projects. The first project dealt with the consolidation of the European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) in Denmark (LIFE99 NAT/DK/006454). The two other projects focused on the protection of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in the Eastern Baltic region and on the management of the Bombina bombina in the entire Baltic region (LIFE04 NAT/EE/000070 and LIFE04 NAT/DE/000028). From basic experience on turtle conservation in Lithuania, Poland and Germany, sufficient data is available to implement protection measures on herpetological (reptiles and amphibians) sites of European interest and to develop a concept of active protection of sites of high herpetological diversity in the North European lowlands. Objectives The main objective of the project was to ensure the favourable conservation status of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the North European lowlands. The project also planned to ensure a favourable conservation status for the European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in the areas where they occur together with Emys orbicularis. The project would furthermore demonstrate how to protect Bombina bombina in artificial and drained lowland meadows of Brandenburg in Germany and in the large natural swamps and fenland of Zuvintas National Park in Lithuania. The aim was to protect more than 90% of the Emys orbicularis individuals in the north European lowlands and to demonstrate the validity of protection measures for Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus as well as other amphibian species such as Hyla arborea and Pelobates fuscus. Results The NELEAP project improved the conservation status of its targets species: the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus). It first carried out preparatory actions, such as developing monitoring methods and defining the favourable conservation status for turtles and amphibians. It also carried out an evaluation of the ponds, and turtle hibernation and nesting sites, ahead of drawing up action and local management plans and genetic studies. For the foreseen actions, it was necessary to purchase or lease land and develop buffer zones and compensation measures. Conservation work included pond restoration and digging, the creation of nesting and hibernation sites for turtles, and the implementation of a sustainable grazing regime. To ensure the sites’ continued management, agreements were concluded. Furthermore an extensive awareness campaign was carried out to improve the knowledges of experts and local communities. International experience exchange was vital to the success of the project. The impact of the project actions was monitored up to 2009. Data show that restored habitats can be quickly colonised by species. Newly dug or restored ponds acquire within 2-3 years typical vegetation, fauna and ecological qualities favourable for the target species. Knowledge acquired from pond projects for the conservation of amphibians is being transferred throughout Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania and Poland. The After-LIFE conservation plan sets out measures for maintaining the restored habitats. The farms in the project sites will ensure long-term management, supported by the agri-environmental schemes and the farming of cattle. In Poland, the Directorate of Forestry in Olsztyn is taking care of the nature reserves in forest areas, while in the west of the country, the sites will be managed by Klub Pzryrodnikov through other national projects. The Bialowezha National Park has a long-term management plan for the nature reserve in Bialowezha forest and its surroundings. In Germany land purchase and registering of the land for nature conservation will help protect habitats. The continuation of the project results was also boosted by an educational campaign aimed at schools, which included turtle days. The beneficiaries hope that the value of amphibians will become an interesting conversation topic for visitors in B&Bs on farms in southern Lithuania. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).