Background Lombardy is a region rich in biodiversity, containing 241 Natura 2000 sites, covering 15% of its total area. It is also the most populous region in Italy, containing one-sixth of the country’s population (about 10 million people) and producing one fifth of its GDP. Reconciling agricultural and industrial production needs with biodiversity and conservation represents a major challenge for the region. The economic crisis presents a further challenge: public funds are getting scarcer and to ensure the long term management and restoration of the regions Natura 2000 network, a long term, integrated approach is required. Objectives The aim of this project is to prepare, on the basis of the approach of the Priority Action Frameworks (PAFs), concrete and operational measures for the Natura 2000 network. The project’s overall objective is to develop a regional management programme and a ‘prioritised action framework’ for the 241 Natura 2000 sites in Lombardy. Specific objectives include: To make a significant contribution to achieving the goals set by the EU Biodiversity strategy of “…halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restoring them in so far as feasible..”; To provide a realistic overview of the value of the Natura 2000 network in the region – not only in terms of nature conservation and ecosystem services, but also from a socio-economic perspective; To draw up a long-term plan for the restoration and management of the region’s Natura 2000 sites, taking account of all possible funding opportunities at European, national and regional level, and establishing a list of priority actions to be carried out within the next decade. Expected results: A ‘programme’ (policy document) for the management of the 241 Natura 2000 sites in the Lombardy region, including: o A list of the Natura 2000 sites and an assessment of their contribution to the conservation of species and habitats of Community importance; o The results of an evaluation of the conservation status of protected species and habitats, including migratory birds; o A general description of the value of nature conservation and ecosystem services in the territory covered by the plan; o Information about plans and other initiatives emanating from government or other bodies for the conservation and restoration of different types of habitats and species; o 2014-2020 strategic objectives for the conservation of habitats and species listed in the two EU nature directives. A ‘prioritised action framework’ for the region’s Natura 2000 network, including: o An overview of the network and of the conservation status of habitats and species; o The legal and administrative provisions for the protection and management of Natura 2000 sites; o Experience acquired in the use of EU financial instruments; o A current estimate of management funding requirements; o 2014-2020 strategic conservation objectives and priorities for Natura 2000; o A description of key measures to achieve the objectives and the priorities; o The promotion of sustainable tourism, green employment and innovative approaches within the Natura 2000 network.