Background Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) is restricted in Europe to Mediterranean landscapes with low or little vegetation such as garigue, dry grasslands and rocky habitats. The breeding adults are very territorial and sedentary, nesting on rocky cliffs up to 1500m above sea level. Young juveniles, on the other hand, travel extensively until they reach maturity at the age of 3-4 years. Like other birds or prey, the Bonelli's eagle population has decreased dramatically over the last few decades, it is estimated that there are now just 820 - 1,000 breeding pairs left in Europe. Three quarters of these can be found in Spain. The main threats to this species come from electrocution and collision with power lines, deterioration of habitat, human interference and poaching. Other factors such as food shortage, pollution and disease also have a detrimental (if not entirely understood) impact on the species. Objectives The project focused on five territories located in the SPAs of Valderejo-Sierra de Arcena and Sierras Meridionales de Álava. Two of these territories are currently inhabited. The project aimed to slow the decline in the breeding population in the area by encouraging the return of breeding pairs to the abandoned territories. A planned first step was to adapt 14 power lines to remove the threat of electrocution. A series of reserves was also planned for the nesting sites to reduce disturbance, especially from hunting and construction. Habitat improvement measures would also be undertaken to increase the numbers of prey for the eagles. Another key aspect of the project was the planned monitoring of breeding activities including radio tracking of young birds. Finally, an information campaign would be launched to increase public awareness about the plight of this species. Contact would be reinforced with other eagle projects in order to exchange experiences. Results One of the main achievements of the project was the drawing up of a management plan for the Bonelli’s Eagle and the designation of two new SPAs. These were the first essential steps for the conservation of the species in this area. The management plan covers all the conservation needs of the species. Another important document was the regulation on bird-friendly power lines. Iberdrola, the main power company in the region, has announced that it will comply with the regulation. The most successful experiences accomplished throughout the project were recorded in three reports to be used to extend the results into other appropriate regions. The reports give details about particular achievements, difficulties, costs and the acquired knowledge including a self-assessment that could help environmental managers. The reports focus on three areas: power lines corrections; surveillance and control of the species population, radio-tracking of the species in Álava. The creation of the SPA, Valderejo y Sierra de Arcena, has a number of implications for the positioning of communication infrastructures (for example, telephone and TV booster stations, roads and motorways, railways and gas pipelines). Such restrictions in Álava represent an important economic and social cost. Technological solutions are available that allow economic and social development in conjunction with nature conservation, however, such technologies often involve extra cost. The distribution range of the Bonelli’s Eagle in one region covers two provinces (Castille & Leon and Burgos), and as a result, the conservation of this population requires co-ordinated action between the two regional administrations. The Castille and Leon Government has recently designated a new SPA (Montes Obarenes) that covers the Bonelli’s Eagle territory in Burgos. These neighbouring SPAs are under co-ordinated management. The Valderejo and Valdegobía valleys, where many of the project activities took place, are within a mountainous area with clear population and economic decline. Access to these areas is difficult, and the primary and secondary economic sectors are underdeveloped; nature conservation and associated tourism are regarded as the best way to boost the local economy. The local population is aware of the economic benefits derived from the designation for nature conservation. The project’s management plan ensures the continuation of the project and further regional electro-technical regulations as well as the Framework Agreement with the power electrical company Iberdrola, endorsement of the hunting management plans and the inclusion of all species territories in the Natura 2000 Network.