Background The Natura 2000 site, “Oasi xerotermiche della Val di Susa - Orrido di Chianocco e Foresto”, is important for its “seminatural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (important orchid sites)” habitat, which is listed as a conservation priority in Annex I of the Habitats Directive. The site is extremely significant due to the extent and richness of orchids and steno-Mediterranean rare species. However, in recent decades, land abandonment has led to a marked change in the composition of its flora, with substantial encroachment by shrubs and trees. Objectives The project aims to conserve and restore the dry grasslands with orchids priority habitat within a representative area of the “Oasi xerotermiche della Val di Susa - Orrido di Chianocco e Foresto” Natura 2000 site. The project will define a restoration methodology (guidelines) and will implement actions that will lead to the conservation and restoration of significant portions of this habitat. As a result, the project will be able to produce technical guidance that could be applied in the Cottian Alps (Alpi Cozie) Natural Park (and other SCIs) in order to ensure sustainable and long-term management of the habitat. In particular, the project aims to: Restore shrub and tree-encroached areas (about 20 hectares of 6210*) through mechanical clearing and cutting; Define a methodology and guidance for sustainable grazing and apply these to about 83 hectares of dry grasslands (e.g. by buying domestic animals and arranging grazing structures); Develop the tourist potential of the area and encourage participation and thus greater awareness of issues related to the use of natural resources. Expected results: The project will: Improve the conservation status of the 6210* habitat within the site; Draw up guidelines for the management of the habitat; Restore about 20 ha of the 6210* habitat through selective shrub-clearing and tree cutting; Prepare about 83 ha of the habitat for sustainable grazing, for example by installing mobile electric fences, permanent electric fences, water and salt points; Buy a “service flock” of 150 sheep to graze the conservation area; Regulate and restore access to the grazed areas to improve the protection of the habitat; Apply management guidelines to about 83 ha of the target habitat, including a farm, in order to manage the flock and demonstrate sustainable land use; Increase community awareness about the value of the SCI and the 6210* habitat through meetings and the involvement of students; Promote the habitat management guidance developed by the project to other beneficiaries/managers of Natura 2000 sites.