Background The Baix Ter wetlands (“Humedales del Baix Ter”) are the natural southward extension of the Empordá wetland system. Today, from the once extensive marshes, only a few lagoons remain. One saline lagoon (La Pletera) and one freshwater lake fed by the river system (Ter Vell) are the largest vestiges of this system. The site – an SCI (site of Community importance) within the Natura 2000 network – nevertheless still hosts an extensive dune ecosystem; and a population of the endangered Iberian toothcarp (Aphanius iberus) – a priority species for conservation according to the Habitats Directive – is also found there. This very rare small fish species, which is found only in or around Spanish coastal waters, has been the subject of other LIFE conservation efforts (e.g. “Conservation of Aphanius iberus genetic stocks (Murcia)” - LIFE04 NAT/ES/000035). The project area has also been enhanced, by improvements to the freshwater quality and the creation of new saline lagoons under a 1999-2004 project: “Arrangement and management of the Baix Ter Coastal lagoons and marshes” (LIFE99 NAT/E/006386). Other valuable assets that once contributed to the site’s ecological wealth, such as a local population of another priority species, the European pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis) and a variety of habitats of Community importance are however, still undergoing significant declines, not least due to the substantial public use of the area. The first urgent measures, carried out under the earlier LIFE project, promoted a shift in land use favourable to the conservation requirements of a Natura 2000 site. Under this project a wider objective was defined, in order to further the ecological improvement of this valuable coastal ecosystem. Objectives The main objective of this LIFE project is the recovery of the populations of various amphibian species and of the pond terrapin, Emys orbicularis, in the area, by means of improving their natural habitat: the temporary or permanent freshwater wetlands. The measures proposed include the recovery of freshwater wetlands in the Ter Vell floodplain, the restoration of riparian and floodplain habitats and the reinforcement of local populations of Emys orbicularis at their natural locations in the area. The improvement of freshwater quality and an increased control of public access to prevent habitat degradation resulting from human disturbance were also to be addressed. Results The project’s main target i.e. conservation actions to promote the recovery of the natural habitats of populations of amphibian species and of the European pond terrapin, were successfully carried out. Key measures included: (1) A management plan for the SCI – this establishes the actions to be undertaken in the area in order to guarantee the conservation of its natural values, and contains guidelines for the vegetation maintenance, etc. The plan will be included in the management tool that will be developed after the creation of a proposed national park, “Montgrí, Medes i Aiguamolls del Baix Empordà”, which will include the project area. Administrative procedures are still ongoing. (2) Purchase of 3.6 ha of land adjacent to the Ter Vell lagoon (northern sector) -here actions focusing on habitat recovery have been accomplished. Acquisition of 37.27 ha, shared among the areas of Ter Vell and Mas Pinell (central sector). Works aimed at improving and maintaining habitats have been carried out in these areas. (3) Recovery of habitats and lagoons: Grasslands of temporary flooding, suitable for amphibians (known locally as “closes”) around the Ter Vell lagoon have been recovered thanks to the ending of land use, such as in Closa d’en Mascort, and to land purchase, after having removed debris. Another area with wetlands and restored flood areas is the Cul de les Senyores (central sector). Here, besides the extraction of debris and litter, the riparian forest was restored. Also in the central sector, in the Mas Pinell area, a permanent and temporary network of lagoons placed between a forest area and crops was created to introduce and recover the original population of the pond turtle. (4) Fauna recovery: A reintroduction programme for the pond turtle in the Baix Ter was started successfully. The existing captive breeding programme was improved, increasing the breeding success and the number of viable specimens. As a result, 32 specimens were released into the Mas Pinell new lagoons, setting up a stable population in this area with very few losses. In addition, a new pond was created to support the captive breeding programme. (5) Increase of amphibians related to the temporary wetlands: The habitat recovery has increased the reproduction possibilities of several amphibian species such as the common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans), western spadefoot (Pelobates cultripes) and parsley frog (Pelodytes punctatus) which were in visible decline in the area. For example, Closa d’en Mascort has been successfully colonized with amphibian species. (6) Removal of alien species: 52 specimens of Trachemys scripta were removed using different capture techniques and a methodology to control alien chelonians was established. Regarding flora, actions against the Pampa grass (Cortaderia selloana) and other alien plants were carried out following guidelines drawn up by the project’s vegetation and flora inventory. (7) Scientific studies: Several studies were developed focusing on the water dynamic of the “les Basses d’en Coll” and the nutrient composition and water quality for actions in the paddy fields of this area. In addition, monitoring of amphibians, turtles and birds was carried out. (8) Awareness raising: An intensive dissemination campaign was developed. Activities included organising meetings and talks, guided visits to the project area; editing biannual newsletters, leaflets, stickers, a children’s storybook and a publication about the project, a mobile exhibition, etc. The beneficiary also participated in numerous scientific events promoting the project. Representatives of the media also attended several project events. Finally, a network has been created that connects the different project areas and also the network created under the earlier LIFE project. Access to the beaches, wetlands and lagoons have been improved and vehicular traffic restricted. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).