Background Ostoja Wigierska, belonging to the Wigry National Park in north-eastern Poland, hosts important populations of many endangered EU plant and animal species, as well as certain valuable natural habitats. These include a large number of wetland areas, especially around the lakes and river valleys and small water reservoirs. Such habitats are home to a wide number of very rare plants listed in the EU Habitats Directive, e.g. the fen orchid (Liparis loeselii), yellow marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) and waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa). The Natura 2000 site hosts many endangered EU animal species associated with water and mud. For example, the large white-faced darter (Leucorrhinia pectoralis) and Desmoulin's whorl snail (Vertigo moulinsiana). It is also important for the conservation of populations of rare or endangered amphibians, notably the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and great-crested newt (Triturus cristatus). In addition, the site harbours populations of other threatened European species of vertebrates such as: the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), European otter (Lutra lutra), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), pond bat (Myotis dasycneme), barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus), common crane (Grus grus), common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and Western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus). Objectives The overall project objective is to protect endangered species and habitat types of the “Ostoja Wigierska” Natura 2000 site in north-east Poland. The main actions will target a reduction in invasive species, land purchase and wetland restoration, improvement of river water quality and channeling of visitors in sensitive areas. All these activities will be accompanied by monitoring and educational activities. Specific project objectives include: Reducing amphibian mortality during the target species' seasonal migration; Increasing the reproductive success of amphibians; Improving the quality of the habitats for the following species: the large white-faced darter, green snaketail (Ophiogomphus cecilia), large copper (Lycaena dispar) and violet copper (Lycaena helle) butterflies, dragonflies (Leucorrhina pectoralis and Ophiogomphus Ceciliathick) shelled river mussel (Unio crassus) and corncrake (Crex crex); Improving the nesting conditions of Hymenoptera related to the clay subsoil; Improving the quality of the habitats supporting most valuable plant species in the project area; and Preserving and improve the most valuable habitats in the project area. Expected results A reduction (by some 80%) of the mortality on roads of two populations of amphibians; An increase in the number of convenient reproduction places for the two target amphibian species by 25; An increase in the number of convenient Hymenoptera nesting places by 15; An increase (by four) of the number of farmsteads equipped with devices to reduce water environment pollution; An 80-90% reduction of the population of the invasive plant species Impatiens grandiflora; An increase in the cohesion of the Ostoja Wigierska site by the purchase of 68 ha of land; A measurable increase in ecological awareness among the local community; An improvement or restoration of the habitats on the 68 ha of purchased lands; Shrub removal on 20 ha of land and mowing on 120 ha; Improved safety measures on two tourist trails; and A new nature publication about the Ostoja Wigierska site.