Background Luxembourg is suffering from a general loss of biodiversity as a result of agricultural intensification and urbanisation pressure, particularly in the region of Luxembourg City. It has been very difficult for local authorities to impose conservation measures. The usual way is through signing ‘biodiversity contracts’ with farmers, but this has not been as effective as expected. The best way to achieve high conservation status is to purchase land. However, because land is expensive, the support of funding programmes, such as the LIFE programme, can play a key role. Objectives The NATURA 2000-LUXEMBOURG project aimed to restore a network of three Habitats Directive priority habitats: ‘European dry heaths’ (4030), ‘Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae)’ (6410), and ‘Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis)’ (6510). The project had four main objectives: land purchase and ownership; the protection of core areas of priority habitats; the restoration of priority habitats; and to involve local authorities to a greater extent in nature conservation activities. Results The NATURA 2000-LUXEMBOURG was implemented through a partnership between coordinating beneficiary SICONA and 11 municipalities (associated beneficiaries) in the SICONA union. The project targeted 10 Natura 2000 network sites in Luxembourg. It worked to restore a network of Habitat Directive priority habitats, namely, European dry heaths (4030), Molinia meadows (6410) and Lowland hay meadows (6510), along with an additional area of natural forest habitats (9130, 9160). The project acquired new land for the protection of priority habitats, conducted habitat restoration and management activities, and raised public awareness about the importance of these habitats. In total, the project acquired 85 ha of land. Specifically, it acquired 4.98 ha of European dry heaths; 8.16 ha of Molinia meadows; 57 ha of Lowland hay meadows; and 15.77 ha of Integral Forest Reserve (beech forests and oak-hornbeam forest). Data on these areas was stored on a GIS database and an acquired area map was produced. Heaths and forests were restored through adapted techniques, which included sod cutting, the reintroduction of heather species (Calluna spp.), top soil removal and the clearance of brushwood. In Molina meadows, dams were eliminated to enhance water retention, and characteristic plant species (e.g. Serratula tinctoria) were reintroduced. The meadows are now subject to limited anthropic pressures, and are partly managed through a Biodiversity Contract. The project’s restoration of priority habitats involved the introduction of 4 067 plants in 32 plots (33 ha), the creation of a network of 24 ponds in 7 areas (1.02 ha of open water), and the removal of top soil on 3.93 ha (habitat 4030). The introduction of mowing on 50 ha of lowland hay meadows was done in active collaboration with local farmers. Regeneration of a rich flora in degraded hay meadows was encouraged by the application of hay, imported from neighbouring sites in good conservation status, to the ploughed ground. The habitat restoration and management work helped strenghten populations of a range of species in these habitats, including the great copper butterfly (Lycanea dispar), great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and small corncrake (Crex crex). Knowledge was gained, in particular, on how to restore the Lowland hay meadows habitat in Luxembourg. The project improved methodology for soil analysis and botanic monitoring, and provided additional elements to better restore this habitat. Although the project acknowledged improvements were still needed, stakeholders are now well-informed about the necessity of taking into consideration specific criteria (e.g. using P-Olsen soil analysis). The project helps to implement the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). All the project partners were involved in awareness-raising, which was conducted using numerous communication tools and activities. The project team organised 24 excursions involving 826 visitors; held 14 conferences and produced 14 press releases; erected 10 exposition panels and 16 noticeboards; published 1 500 copies of the Layman's Report and 11 information brochures; and participated in 6 information-exchange days. The project also organised the Inter-Life event in 2011 and a two-day workshop on meadows' restoration in 2014. Long-term management of the sites acquired by the project is financially guaranteed by state and municipal funds. The government financing mechanism, for example, takes over 75% of the total restoration costs in Natura 2000 network sites. In addition, thanks to the state programme for nature conservation, more than 50 ha are managed through Biodiversity Contracts (or leasing contracts between farmers and municipalities). The coordinating beneficiary SICONA will continue working on the basis of annual management plans for all sites. The species monitoring work will continue, for example, through the monitoring biodiversity programme. Work on grasslands initiated by NATURA 2000-LUXEMBOURG is being continued by the LIFE grassland Luxembourg (LIFE13 NAT/LU/000068) project. In terms of socio-economic impacts, the project team concluded that farmers currently managing the various sites restored by the project, using state and municipal funding, will continue to so. This will bring benefits for the local economy. State subsidies may be better financially for farmers, as an alternative to agricultural subsidies that are not always secured. Wider benefits include the safeguarding of biodiversity and better landscapes for recreational use. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).