Background Around 833 000 ha of forests (41% of all forested areas) can be found on Natura 2000 sites in Hungary. This includes 412 000 ha forests under national protection as well. Most of the state-owned forests are managed by state forest companies; only a minor part is in the trusteeship of national park directorates. Because of the unique biogeographical features of Hungary – the majority of Pannonian biogeographical region is within its borders – several forest types are considered to have unique value for the EU. For example, the largest extent of Pannonic forest types listed in the Annex I of the Habitats Directive can be found in Hungary. Their condition is thus important not only a national level, but also on a European level. Currently, the conservational status of forest habitats in Hungary, however, is not satisfactory. Objectives The objective of the LIFEinFORESTS project is to identify, develop and implement a set of tools to support the development of skills, active communication and cooperation among key stakeholders in the management and conservation of Natura 2000 network forests. The project aims to create a common viewpoint on the implementation of the Natura 2000 objectives. Specific objectives are to: Improve and broaden the existing knowledge base on forest habitats and species of the Pannonian region, and share it to be used in conservation and forest management on Natura 2000 sites; Enhance the adoption in Hungary of European best practices on cooperation and stakeholder involvement in Natura 2000 management; Promote communication and improve cooperation among the Natura 2000 forest managers, conservation experts and forest planning professionals in order to establish a consensual basis regarding the sustainable management and conservation of habitats and species; Enhance the integration of biodiversity aspects in forest planning and management, based on the consolidated knowledge base and jointly agreed consensus; Raise awareness of the ecological and socio-economic benefits of close-to-nature forest management among the foresters; and Improve the utilisation of the EU funds available for conservation and management of Natura 2000 forests. Expected results: Specialist studies on 13 forest habitats and 10 functional groups of species, and a handbook published. Around 50 experts from the 10 national park directorates and the conservation authorities form a specialised discussion panel; Fifteen best practice examples collected from EU Member States, and the EU guidance document adopted. Six study trips for 200 multipliers, and dissemination of forest management experience through different channels; At 10 ‘round tables‘, 200 experts from conservation and forestry are involved in the exchange of experiences and conflict resolution to establish consensus on the management principles of Natura 2000 forests; A Natura 2000 forest planning toolkit for delivered to the forestry authorities. New Natura 2000 modules are developed to add to the continuing education of forest authority experts and that of licensed forest engineers. Around 550 professionals receive training; At least 700 foresters are informed on ‘close to nature’ forest management, and at least 35 forest managers start an assessment on how to shift their management towards it. Around 225 licensed forest engineers receive practical training on implementation of this methodology; and The use of EU support for Natura 2000 forest conservation management increased.