Background L'Albufera de Valencia is one of the biggest lagoons on the Western Mediterranean seaboard. Like other littoral wetlands, it has suffered from intense human disturbance. The lagoon has also been subjected to natural processes that have had a negative impact on its most valuable habitats. Lagoon waters have changed from saline to fresh, due to the simultaneous inflow of freshwater from inland tributaries and the setting of sluices at the inlets, blocking seawater inflow and favouring agricultural use. As much as 70% of the original lagoon area has been reclaimed for rice cultivation. The intensification of agricultural practices, leading to an artificial hydrological system, and the inflow of urban and industrial wastewaters are currently the main threats for the site. A further problem is the uncontrolled influx of visitors and vehicles into the area, especially during the nesting season. However, several priority bird species are still found breeding in the project area, including the marbled duck (Marmaronetta angustirostris), the red-knobbed coot (Fulica cristata) and the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca). This project area contains natural freshwater sources, locally known as “ullals”, which were home to the largest populations of species. The fens (Cladium mariscus), which surround these sources, contain the best populations of the Annex II-listed plant species Kosteletzkya pentacarpa in Western Europe. Objectives This LIFE project aimed to recover the two most important permanently flooded freshwater pools within the lagoon, “Ullal de Baldoví” and “Ullal dels Sants”. To that end, 5.6 ha of paddy fields would be purchased and incorporated to the reserve area of the natural park. Optimal environmental conditions would be created for the establishment of the most representative species, notably for Kosteletzkya pentacarpa. In order to ensure the conservation of the site, a long-term management plan for the reserve would be designed and implemented. Finally, the project also intended to improve the public facilities in the reserve area in order to better promote the natural values of the restored habitats. Results The project achieved the following results: A management plan for the restored area; Acquisition of nearly 6 ha of paddy fields to be included in the ‘reserve area’ and transformed into the target priority habitat; Completion of all non-recurring actions in both target ‘ullals’ in order to achieve their integral environmental restoration; Creation and reinforcement of clods and perimeter irrigation canals; Restoration of the lagoon system and recovery of marsh areas; Fencing and perimeter protection; Improvement of infrastructures for education and naturalist uses; Signposting and installation of information panels; Plantation works; Improvement of access.Specific actions included the planting of 8,138 specimens of 21 plant species in order to recover the priority habitat Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and other vegetation communities. It carried out management tasks for this habitat as well as control of alien plant species, while taking measures to recover priority fauna species. Action protocols were drawn up for the recovery the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and 30 individuals were released (seven of them were fitted with transmitters so they could be monitored). The habitat of the pond turtle was improved by placing of dead trees on the lagoon edges and constructing floating wooden platforms to favour the presence of both protected and exposed areas. Other species targeted by the project included the ‘samaruc’ (Valencia hispanica), a freshwater fish. Around 2 500 individuals were released and monitored. Competitive alien species such as the pike perch (Sander lucioperca), the pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) or the tench (Tinca tinca) were removed. In addition, around 50 individuals of the protected freshwater bivalve (Unio elongatulus) and more than 1 000 specimens of an endemic ray-finned fish, Chondrostoma arrigonis, were released. Ecological and biological monitoring was carried out on the restored areas. Dissemination activities included the production of informative materials (a leaflet, a didactic unit, a CD, a pen drive and a pin). A project website was also created and 12 quarterly digital bulletins were published. The project leaders also took part in scientific forums, published articles, organised guided visits and carried out educational activities. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).