Background Vrancea county in east-central Romania is the country’s second largest area (by density) populated by large carnivores. This area of the East Carpathians hosts for example, some 6.5% of Romania’s brown bear (Ursus arctos) population (estimated for the whole country at around 6 900 individuals, or over 50% of the total European population). The country also hosts 3.7% of Romania’s wolf population (estimated for the whole country at over 4 000 individuals, or around 35% of the total European wolf (Canis lupus) population. The county also holds around 5.5% of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population (estimated for the whole country at around 1 800 individuals). Objectives The main aims of the project were to enhance the protection system of large carnivores in Vrancea county and to bring the efforts of the local network for the protection of large carnivores protection within the Europe-wide Natura 2000 ecological network. Specifically, the project aimed to: (i) bring the eight sites (around 40 000 ha in total) belonging to the local network for the protection of large carnivores into the Natura 2000 network; (ii) draw up and implement management plans for the sites in accordance with the Natura 2000 requirements, and also in line with local plans for the protection of large carnivores, in particular to halt the decrease in populations from direct or indirect poaching; (iii) prevent conflicts between large carnivores and local people; (iv) raise awareness of the socio-economic benefits of inclusion of the protected areas within the Natura 2000 network. Results The project achieved all its objectives by the successful implementation of the following main actions: Inclusion of eight sites – around 40 000 ha in total – of the national park project area in the Natura 2000 network and their official approval of the Romanian environment ministry. Preparation of management plans for the eight protected sites, including feedback and agreement from local stakeholders. Establishment and operation of an animal rescue mobile unit and rehabilitation centre for large carnivores, in order to reduce decline of populations due to poaching. Putting in place a visible team of experts to work with farmers on protecting crops and flocks – this has radically reduced the incidence of poaching and helped to avoid conflicts between large carnivores and local population. Implementation of various monitoring activities to estimate the numbers of large carnivores. Implementation of various (very successful) public awareness activities to reduce poaching and to gain public acceptance for peaceful co-existence between humans and large carnivores and to inform people of the benefits of Natura 2000. In particular, the involvement of the public in bear conservation was a major feature of the project. The project’s organisers recognise that public acceptance is central to the success of its conservation initiatives.Socio-economic benefits: The project has also led to other initiatives that have developed the possibilities of eco-tourism. For example, the beneficiary created nature trials in the park and a bear observation hide. Around 80% of the land in the park is publicly owned and the creation of eco-tourism opportunities was developed in exchange for restricting areas that are favourable for making dens, such as oak forests. Through the initiative of the project team, it is now forbidden to carry out logging activities in the winter months so as to prevent disturbance to the dens. Another significant socio-economic impact of the project was the creation of 20 paid positions linked to the project – the new management structure of the national park accounts for 14 of these jobs. Local manufacturers and craftsmen were also employed in the creation of signs and paths. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).