Background The total population of lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Latvia at the end of the previous century was estimated at 2 800 to 5 200 breeding pairs. This represented roughly 45% of the total EU population and 24% of the population for the whole European continent. Unfortunately, the number of breeding pairs has decreased since 2000. During the past decade, the decline of the Latvian population is estimated to be at least 15%. Furthermore, the most recent studies confirm that the decline is ongoing. Such losses in the Latvian population are of particular concern given the relative importance of this sub-population at European level. Activities of the forestry sector are a major threat to lesser spotted eagles in Latvia. They result in the destruction of nest trees and general degradation of breeding habitats, including disturbance of breeding birds. There is also evidence that the birds are being electrocuted by the low and medium voltage power lines dominating the Latvian landscape. Objectives The main objective of the LIFE AQPOM project is to improve the conservation status of the lesser spotted eagle in Latvia - the key breeding area for this species in Europe. Its primary approach will be to establish a network of Special Protected Areas, especially designated for the protection of A. pomarina breeding grounds. The project will update the “Latvian national action plan for the lesser spotted eagle”, which it hopes to have officially approved by the Latvian environment department. It will also start its implementation, for example by constructing artificial platforms and supports to guarantee the longevity of nest trees. The project plans to introduce specific protection measures for individual pairs of lesser spotted eagle by creating micro-reserves around nest trees. To improve the connectivity of these protected nest sites, the project will work to interlink the existing Natura 2000 sites, creating a network of special protected areas (SPAs). The project will address the specific problem of A. pomarina electrocution in the Natura 2000 site of the Kuja nature park – the area with the highest recorded breeding density of the species within its global breeding range. This will involve reducing the threat to the birds of some aerial power lines by insulating them and moving other lines underground. The project will educate key stakeholders – including the local population – on the conservation needs of the species and the protection of their breeding and foraging grounds. It also hopes to see scientific evaluation and subsequent dissemination of the Latvian experience in protecting the species. Expected results: An updated and officially approved national action plan for the lesser spotted eagle; A network of SPAs, especially designated for the protection of A. pomarina breeding grounds; Adequate protection of breeding grounds provided to another 12.5% (500 pairs) of the Latvian breeding population – increasing the protected national population to 22.5%; Installation of 50 artificial supports/platforms to guarantee the longevity of nests; Improved connectivity between the protected breeding grounds; and Some 67.1 km of aerial power lines adapted to reduce their threat to the birds - including 100% of power lines within Kuja nature park: o 35.3 km of mid-voltage (20kV) aerial power lines insulated o 11.2 km of low-voltage (0.4 kV) aerial power lines insulated o 20.6 km of low-voltage aerial power lines dug-in.