Background Close to the banks of the Po River in the Province of Mantova, the southernmost part of Lombardy, the Ostiglia marsh is a wetland characterised by vast expanses of sedge and reeds. Together with abundant aquatic (Magnopotamion, Hydrocharition) and hygrophilous (Sparganium, Typha, Acorus, woods of Alnus glutinosa) vegetation, there are countless species of amphibians, reptiles and birds of Community interest, including the Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) and the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca). The Ostiglia marsh has been regional reserve since 1984 and is linked to the wetlands of the Grandi Veronesi valleys that were drained at the beginning of the 20th century. The marsh area has been incorporated into the Natura 2000 network, both as a Special Protection Area and as a proposed Site of Community Interest. The abandonment of the traditional activity of harvesting sedge and reeds for manufacturing various craft articles, however, has led to a steady accumulation of organic matter and uncontrolled growth of vegetation. This situation is further aggravated by a shortage of water, a lack of buffer areas around the site, the encroachment of invasive plants (Solidago) and silting. Objectives The project aimed to conserve the habitats of eutrophic and fluvial lakes, improve the conservation status of amphibians and birds, and restore the priority alluvial alder forest habitat. Preliminary surveys of the hydrogeological features of the area and its ecological components would be carried out. The purchase of 34 ha of land would also make it possible to extend the protected area. Direct intervention in the marshland would include remodelling and planting operations, the creation of a water meadow and the management of sedge fields and reed beds. These activities were to be accompanied by environmental awareness and education campaigns which were intended to foster a more respectful use of the area. Results The main result of the project was a new management wetland model that aims to preserve habitats and species of Community interest. The model pays special attention to the complex connections between water, sediment, flora and fauna. It has been adopted by the Natural Reserve and will provide for adequate management of the marshes for the next ten years. A calendar of the marsh water levels was drawn up for an optimal management of the wetlands. The planned land, located closed to the marsh was purchased (3.4 ha) in order to introduce a buffer zone between marsh and farmlands. An environmental patchwork suitable for the Italian agile frog was produced by means of planting 2.5 ha with “Residual alluvial forest of Alnion glutinoso-incanae”, production of 0.8 ha of wet meadows and of a system of 5 perimeter ponds. As a result of the project action, populations of Ardea purpurea, Botaurus stellaris and Circus aeruginosus increased during the project. The project also led to the creation of mechanical mowing prototype adapted to the area, which could also be used in similar areas. Removal of vegetation represents a possible future source of income for the area. Moreover, the management model has already demonstrated significant savings, such as the sedge and reed mowing every four years instead of every year and the spreading of the removed sediment within the site. Finally, water circulation was restored in Busatello river through excavation works in order to remove sediments and to shape the banks (target area 1 ha). In order to improve the education value of the site an observation tower was installed. (The tower is accessible to disable people). The project also purchased equipment to be used during the guided visits and helped guarantee the presence of a nature guide.