Background The Po Delta Regional Park in central Italy hosts 27 species of nesting birds on Annex I of the Birds Directive and a further 23 species listed in the Annex either winter in the area or migrate through it. As such, the Park is one of Italy’s most important wetland areas but the conservation status of important bird species has been threatened by the network of electricity power lines that cross the Park. A study of the problem identified the most hazardous power lines. Objectives The main aim of this LIFE Nature project was to reduce and eliminate the risk of bird collision and electrocution in 20 areas identified as risks, involving a total of approximately 91 km of electric power lines. The methodology applied aimed to inform a new environmental protection regulation connected to the 'Framework law on protection from exposure to electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic fields.' Results The project achieved and surpassed its objectives by removing the risks to birds from 110 km of power lines in the areas targeted. Different techniques were applied including burying lines in areas with high landscape value and insulating other lines with Elicord to protect birds from electrocution. In addition, 9 km of bird flight diverters (highly visible spiral wires) were placed on other cables and nine roost plates were installed on disused power cable poles. These were introduced to provide bird perchs and sites for large-nest builders, such as the Storks (Ciconia ciconia) and Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus). Scientific monitoring of bird numbers and mortality rates in the project area was carried out and results from this LIFE funded research led to a considerable increase in knowledge about the impact of the power lines on birds, as well as monitoring methodologies to measure the impact of power lines on birds. This work informed the production of Guidelines regarding the impact of electric lines on birds that were sent to the Italian Ministry of Environment for use in drawing up a new environmental protection regulation connected to the 'Framework law on protection from exposure to electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic fields'. The LIFE project work programme included the production of dissemination tools and these were distributed in large numbers via the Park tourist centres and during dissemination events. Much of the project’s success has been attributed to the commitment of the local electricity company, Enel and their approach has been highlighted as a model of good practice that offers good demonstration value for other areas suffering similar issues from overhead power lines related to wildlife mortality and landscape impact. A follow-up ex-post evaluation was carried out by the LIFE external monitoring team in May 2015. This concluded that the project is still providing its intended nature conservation benefits. Bird monitoring methodologies were considered to be “the best available guess” and landscape improvements were noted following the burying of power cables. No direct project impacts were ultimately attributed to the intended definition of new standards. However project actions were integrated in the debate at regional and national level about managing bird species. Interest in the project’s techniques was confirmed from the Ticino Park and two private agri-tourism firms - but no information was available about whether these techniques have yet been replicated.