Background Southern Lithuania is characterised by a low water body density and rapidly increasing areas of abandoned agricultural land. Such loss of open, extensively-used habitats threatens amphibian and reptile species listed in Annex II and Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. Without intervention, many populations will disappear. Another threat is the fragmentation of the meta-populations of the target species. Such a situation will lead to inbreeding and the isolation (and even extinction) of small populations. The existing network of three Natura 2000 sites inside the 2 300 ha of the project area is not sufficient either for safeguarding the threatened target species or for enabling biological communication among the core areas. Objectives The objective of the ECONAT project was to create an ecological network in southern Lithuania to ensure the favourable conservation status of threatened populations of selected Habitats Directive Annex II and Annex IV-listed species, whilst simultaneously enhancing the ecological value of the target area. Specifically, the project aimed to secure the long-term viability of the target species within the ecological network by implementing direct conservation measures and habitat management actions. In particular, the project aimed to save the small and isolated populations of two umbrella species, the threatened European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and the European tree frog (Hyla arborea), from extinction. Creating habitats for these two species will have a positive effect on the other target species. Building such an ecological network, and implementing direct conservation measures and habitat management actions within it, should improve the conservation status of Annex II and Annex IV species and provide a model for further ecological networks. Results The ECONAT project team developed an ecological network, including preparation of criteria, methodology and management plans for the creation of an ecological network for the target species. A demonstration of an ecological network was implemented, and a demonstration farm was developed. Four new Natura 2000 network sites were proposed, which were designated by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania (MoE). The project prepared a National Action Plan for European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) that was approved by the MoE, and prepared rearing methods for E. orbicularis and criteria for the favourable conservation status of a range of target species. Concrete conservation activities led to an extensive area of new habitats being either created or restored for the project’s target species, including the creation or restoration of 215 ponds, with the establishment of 40 egg-laying sites for European pond turtle and 30 hibernation sites for amphibians, and the installation of 24 dams affecting 17.48 ha of wetlands. At the Lithuanian Zoo in Kaunas, 101 European pond turtle and 2 799 European tree frog (Hyla arborea) individuals were reared and released into the restored habitats by the end of the project. During the four project years, 86 egg clutches of European pond turtle were protected from predators. Ecological corridors to aid population dispersal were created as part of the demonstration ecological network, along with stepping stone habitats to connect core population zones in Natura 2000 network sites. By these means, favourable conservation status was secured for European pond turtle, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus. The population status of other Annex IV amphibian, reptile and dragonfly species was also either improved or maintained. The project established criteria for establishing ecological networks, produced a report (‘Methodology for Creating the Ecological Network for the Target Species in the Nature Frame’) and demonstrated an example of an ecological network. This provides a model for the development of ecological networks, from theory to practice, in other locations, particularly in areas where landscape is fragmented and current measures of species conservation appear to be insufficient. Securing favourable conservation status of small isolated populations by connecting them through green infrastructure is more cost-effective than strengthening each population separately. To increase the potential for replication, the project organised four experience-exchange workshops and four study tours. Project activities improved the experience of visitors to Natura 2000 sites and raised awareness about the importance of their habitats and species. The project team created a 1 km nature education trail in Dzūkija National Park, and organised guided tours in Meteliai Regional Park and Veisiejai Regional Park. A range of information materials were produced and disseminated, including leaflets, educational materials for schools, a handbook, posters, T-shirts, and a project film on DVD. A touring exhibition visited twelve locations during the project duration. A web camera was also launched in Lithuanian Zoo and four turtle days were organised. All the results and materials are available on the project website. Management plans were prepared for the four newly proposed and designated Natura 2000 sites, while another Natura 2000 site was enlarged based on the project's suggestions. The project brought together the experience gained in its Best Practice Guidelines (‘Development of a Pilot Ecological Network in Southern Lithuania’), a publication that was distributed to target audiences. The pilot ecological network was in compliance with the Habitats Directive, and Ramsar and other conventions. Ecological protection of water bodies is a key objective of the Water Framework Directive, and the project also contributes towards implementing the EU Green Infrastructure Strategy and the 2020 Biodiversity Strategy. The demonstration farm shows how to maintain the environment and to generate income at the same time. In southern Lithuania, where the landscape is typically poor in water bodies, water retention helps farmers’ rear cattle. Land has been increasingly become abandoned on infertile soils, so improving conditions facilitates its use for the grazing of non-fastidious cattle breeds, thus providing job opportunities in an area with high unemployment. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).