Background The EU breeding population of the imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) is small (possibly as low as 230 pairs). Its numbers dropped drastically from 1970 to 1990 and are probably still declining. The main threats to the species are destruction and alteration of breeding and feeding habitats, shortages of prey species (particularly the souslik), electrocution and collision with power lines, shooting, poisoning, nest robbing and human disturbance at breeding sites. The only region where the imperial eagle population has increased significantly in the recent years is the Carpathian basin, notably in Hungary and Slovakia. This increase has largely been due to the implementation of intensive conservation measures carried out by several LIFE projects. In Bulgaria the imperial eagle nests are often situated in groups of trees within river valleys in hilly areas. The adults are mainly sedentary, while juveniles disperse to as far away as Turkey, Syria and Sudan. Recent satellite telemetry data from Bulgaria prove that after the first winter most of them return to the country, occupying temporary settlement areas. Conservation measures in such areas are as important as those implemented in the breeding territories. Objectives The LAND for LIFE project will focus on all SPAs that are crucial for the imperial eagle in Bulgaria where 19 out of the totally 26 known breeding pairs are located. It aims to: Develop and test models for restoration and sustainable management of open-grassland habitats to ensure long-term preservation of the imperial eagle involving key stakeholders to ensure building ownership on project results; Restore and enhance the feeding habitats of the imperial eagle by implementing urgent measures to stabilise and increase the micro-populations of its main prey – small birds, reptiles and mammals, including the globally threatened souslik, and strengthening the national legal framework to secure its long-term protection; Mitigate the effects of loss of nesting substrate by providing artificial nesting platforms; Strengthen the strategic planning framework of the national and EU agri-environmental policy to minimise the detrimental effect of land-use changes in the project area; and Build up community pride in and support for the conservation of the imperial eagle, and the Natura 2000 sites where more than 80% of its populations is concentrated. Expected results: The acquisition of 500 ha of degraded pastures and restoration of 250 ha of tilled pastures and 590 ha of overgrown pastures; More than 1 400 ha of pastures managed for conservation purpose; six model herds (overall 100 horses, 1 000 sheep, 140 cows) established; 20 farmers trained in sustainable grazing and 40 attended field seminars; one website for farmers presenting the new RDP Regulations and the cross-compliance for grasslands; Eight information workshops for at least 80 farmers; at least 16 officials trained, consultation for at least 20 farmers who subsequently submit applications under the RDP; Enhanced knowledge on the eagle’s diet; A feasibility study on souslik reintroduction; A souslik colony established; 30 tree patches to secure foraging and nesting habitat by planting 600 tree saplings; 40 artificial nests platforms; A strategic national and EU planning framework to minimise the detrimental effect of land-use; Development of three policy tools: • Grazing recommendation to guide Natura 2000 management planning; • Recommendation to enhance RDP payment schemes; and a • Souslik action plan.