Background The Măcin are the oldest mountains in Romania. Located in the southeast of the country in Tulcea County, these mountains host a very rich and diverse flora and fauna, including characteristic forests, such as the Euro-Siberian steppic woods with oaks. The area represents the northern limit of the distribution range of hundreds of Mediterranean, Balkan and Pontic species, the southern limit of the central European and Caucasian species, and the western distribution limit of several Asiatic species. The Măcin Mountains are the only national park of the country that protects natural steppe vegetation which is now very rare in Europe. This area shelters 27 endemic plant species and subspecies. Măcin is also one of the most important nesting areas in Romania for raptors. A range of threats to the natural assets of the area, however, have been identified such as disturbance to flora and wildlife due to commercial activities, the presence of exotic species, the low involvement of stakeholders in site management and the lack of visitor facilities. Objectives The main objective of this project was the development and implementation of a management plan for the Măcin Mountains area. Such a plan would involve the design of a proper zoning (including core areas, buffer areas and economic areas) for a suitable management of resources and activities, the creation of a database on biodiversity, natural resources, human activities and other relevant issues, and the design and implementation of an integrated monitoring plan. Another important component of the project was the planned construction of necessary facilities to regulate the access and the use of the area by visitors and the improvement of surveillance activities. The project would engage the public through the regular meetings with local stakeholders, the publication and dissemination of information materials and the creation of a website. Results The project has experienced an important delay, only the preparatory actions and some awareness-raising activities have been undertaken, while the on-site actions, which represent 60% of the total budget, were not implemented by the project's end. Nevertheless, the main achievement of the project was the drawing up of a management plan of the Măcin Mountains area. The plan will be implemented by the National Park following approval by national authorities. Other results (some only partial) of the project include: Preparatory actions – a database with previous and preliminary information on wild flora and fauna containing records on about 700 plant species and more than 1600 animal species was created and distributed on 200 CDs. Standard forms were prepared for field data recording. Assessment reports on the use and exploitation of natural resources in the area were prepared, including the issue of abandoned quarries and their ecological restoration. More than a 100 boundary marks and 96 standardised signs were installed in the Măcin Mountains National Park. Non-recurring management activities – while the project did not complete the building the visitor facilities, watching towers (in Cuzluc valley and Cardonul peak) and the field station in Cuzluc valley, blueprints were created. The information centre in Cetăţuia area is also yet to be established. Recurring management actions – monitoring of flora, fauna, habitats and human activities in the Măcin Mountains was undertaken. Ecological rehabilitation of forested areas on 50ha failed because of financial reasons and only the detailed technical documentation for effective plantation on 9.62 ha was compiled. Maintenance of wire-fenced enclosures was not performed, but a blueprint was prepared. Dissemination activities – a seminar and several meetings with local stakeholders were held and a website was created. Also, leaflets, thematic brochures on the biodiversity of Măcin Mountains and database CDs were distributed, and the objectives of the project were outlined in a PowerPoint presentation. A list of endangered wild plants and animals from Măcin Mountains was edited, printed and distributed.