Background The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, and is catalogued as ‘In Danger of Extinction’ in the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species (RD 139/2011). The conservation actions contained in this Project will take place in the National Parks of Picos de Europa and Ordesa y Monte Perdido, both of which belong to ‘Red Natura 2000’. The short and mid term survival of the bearded vulture in Spain is affected by three factors: firstly, its low population (fewer than 600 specimens); secondly, its highly restricted geographical distribution (the original population is limited to the Pyrenees, although bearded vultures are also being reintroduced to parts of Andalusia); and thirdly, its difficulty in successfully colonising new territory. These factors result in the Pyrenean population being vulnerable to demographic and other unpredictable phenomena. FCQ has been working in the project’s target areas for 21 years, and has formed strong ties with local authorities and the population at large. Objectives The project’s main goals focus on: Establishing a set of good practices in order to encourage the recuperation of a critically-endangered population, in line with work carried out over recent years; Reinforcing the idea that the conservation of a species is linked to local development and the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services; Highlighting the inter-territorial links and common work objectives of public administration and civil society within national parks in order to achieve the recuperation and conservation of an endangered species; Demonstrating that the technique of behavioural learning by natural imprinting can be an efficient tool, thereby complementing other tried and tested techniques; as well as using ecotourism as a powerful means of support and participation in biodiversity conservation projects. Expected results: Anticipated outcomes from this work include the following: Identification of 15 bearded vulture reproduction areas; A 30% improvement in adult reproduction and survival rates; Drafting of three Bearded Vulture Recuperation Plans; Recovery of between three and six bearded vulture specimens per year from nests with low rates of reproduction; Application of natural imprinting behavioural learning techniques and the creation of guidelines for applying these techniques; Release of between three and six bearded vulture specimens per year;Adaption of areas for carcass removal by the vultures, providing 4 500 kg of carrion per year; Creation of one anti-poison patrol to reduce the presence of poison in the target area; Education and training of 250 agents within the area whose activity is directly related to the conservation of the species; Creation of one new ecotourism product based on the content, results and facilities of the project, attracting at least 2 000 visitors; Refurbishment of two centres providing information on the ecotourism product, with 10 000 visitors per year;Education and training of 390 agents related to ecotourism activities; Creation of a Biodiversity route (attracting 80 users);Involvement of 40 schools and 1 000 pupils in a ‘Bearded Vulture Schools Network’; Annual reports on the evolution of ecotourism and biodiversity product supply and demand in Spanish national parks; and A Project Impact Report on the local economy and the restoration of ecosystem services.