Background In the past, the Danube inland delta represented one of the largest and most diverse natural wetland complexes in central Europe. Large parts of it have been destroyed over the past few decades. Habitat loss and destruction is continuing as a result of earlier river regulation and poor area management. The decreasing habitat quality and several other factors (e.g. unregulated human disturbance) have led to major decreases in the populations of the typical floodplain bird species (black stork, night heron, little egret, sand martin etc.). Urgent actions are needed to recover or maintain the quality and quantity of the floodplain avifauna. Objectives The general objective is to improve the conservation status of the floodplain bird species that are protected in the Natura 2000 sites SPA Dunajské luhy (Slovakia) and SPA Szigetkoz (Hungary). The specific objectives of the project are to: Restore selected wetlands, dried-up river branches and oxbows; Restore river branch connectivity, water regime and flowing water conditions; Lease or purchase land following the introduction of appropriate habitat management; Eliminate fish migration barriers at two strategic points and restore birds’ food base; Restore abandoned meadows as feeding and nesting bird habitats; Restore birds’ refuges and nesting areas by planting native tree species; Implement measures preventing unintentional and/or illegal disturbance of the target bird species populations; Acquire relevant scientific data on target species and their habitats; Raise awareness among key stakeholders and the public; Implement additional measures that will make the habitats of target species more attractive for them (e.g. creation of appropriate breeding possibilities). Expected results: Improve the conservation status of target Annex I (and Annex II/1) bird species in SPA Dunajské luhy and SPA Szigetköz: Alcedo atthis, Anas querquedula, A. strepera, Ardea purpurea, Asio flammeus, Aythya nyroca, Ciconia nigra, Circus aeruginosus, C. pygargus, Dryocopus martius, Egretta garzetta, Haliaeetus albicilla, Ixobrychus minutus, Milvus migrans, Nycticorax nycticorax, Porzana parva, and Sterna hirundo; and Annex II/2: Tringa tetanus; Restore or improve nesting habitats of these bird species in 270 ha and along 4.1 km of riverbank); improve their feeding habitats in 319 ha and along 16.4 km of riverbank); Restore recently dried-up river branches and oxbows (with renewed water supply); Restore river branch connectivity, water regime and flowing water conditions; Construct two fish passes at strategic places in the left-side river branch system between Dobrohošt and Sap; Restore at least 150 ha of lowland meadows and introduce regular management at three localities; Plant 15 000 saplings of native tree species on 35 ha of land; Construct of 10 new ramps and restriction of vehicle access in five places; Restore steep river banks at four sites, thereby creating nesting habitats for Riparia riparia; Significantly reduce human disturbance of sensitive species on at least 2 014 ha; Raise awareness about target bird species, river restoration and nature conservation issues through the creation of information and promotional materials (book, website, panels, etc) and through media coverage (local to international).