Background The 650-hectare project area covers nine project sub-sites within nine Natura 2000 network sites. Three priority habitat types are present: Sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands, Pannonic loess steppic grasslands and Pannonic sand steppes. These dry grasslands are generally in good conservation status with many protected species, but are endangered by spontaneous reforestation, the spread of invasive species and various types of negative human impacts. Land use related to dry grasslands has changed significantly in recent decades, as extensive livestock farming has declined sharply in Hungary. Consequently, these habitats are now threatened by spontaneous reforestation on many sites. Without urgent intervention, this process will result in the radical shrinkage, or even complete disappearance, of the dry grassland habitats. Another problem is the spread of invasive species (IS). Seven project sub-areas are infected with IS, mainly black locust, black pine and common milkweed. For a number of economic and historical reasons, use of grasslands in Hungary is often unfavourable to the maintenance of these habitats. Some of the project areas are affected by negative human impacts. Use of illegal roads, deposit of urban waste and illegal mining are three of the most frequent examples. Objectives The project’s main objective is the protection of three priority habitat types: sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands, Pannonic loess steppic grasslands and Pannonic sand steppes. This will be achieved by: Elimination of shrubs and of invasive species; Purchase of land in order to ensure adequate nature conservation management; and Mitigation of human induced negative effects (illegal road use, depositing of urban waste and illegal mining) in the project area. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: Elimination of non-arboreal invasive plant species from 24.4 ha of dry grasslands; Elimination of arboreal invasive species from 54.5 ha of dry grasslands; Elimination of indigenous shrubs from 118 ha of dry grasslands; Restoration of 17 ha of former arable lands and highly degraded grasslands; Purchase of 192.1 ha of dry grasslands, to be permanently given over to nature conservation; Transportation of 780 m3 of waste from dry grasslands; Closure and mitigation of one illegal sand pit; Installation of 25 gates to stop illegal traffic on the project sites; Monitoring of management activities, reconstruction activities and grassland regeneration; The opening of two new study trails and the renewal of an existing study trail; Dissemination activities, including the publication of project brochures and the organisation of awareness-raising events; and The involvement of at least 320 volunteers in nature conservation activities.