Background The Natura 2000 sites Desertas Islands (located in Deserta Grande and Ilhéu Chão) and Ponta de São Lourenço on the Madeira archipelago are home to unique habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive: vegetated sea cliffs with endemic flora of the Macaronesian coasts and low formations of euphorbia close to cliffs. These areas consist of a large number of species (218) and subspecies that are endemic to the Macaronesian bio-geographical region, Madeira and the Natura 2000 sites themselves. Seabirds, terrestrial molluscs, arthropods and plants are of greatest concern to conservationists. The flora and fauna of these islands have been threatened by numerous factors since their discovery, especially the introduction of invasive alien species. The implementation of appropriate management measures to control or eradicate these threats can help restore the area’s natural biodiversity. Objectives The long-term objective of this project is to ensure the ecosystems of the targeted Natura 2000 network sites reach a stable, 'favourable' and self-sustaining conservation status. This objective will be reached by creating the conditions for the recovery of the habitats and species present in these areas, namely through the eradication and control of introduced vertebrates, invertebrates and plants. Specific objectives include: The creation of an exclusion zone free of invasive alien vertebrates on Ponta de São Lourenço via the eradication of rabbit, rats and mice populations; a significant reduction in the goat population; a significant reduction of the populations of invasive plants; and the control and stabilisation of yellow-legged gulls populations; Control of the populations of Argentine ants; Removal of an overhead power line in Ponta de São Lourenço; Draft and have approved action plans for those species listed in the Habitats or Birds directives whose conservation status is not favourable; Foster strong public support for the conservation of these Natura 2000 sites, not only by improving the conditions for visitors to the areas, but also through a large-scale information campaign; and Create consultative and scientific commissions. In the long term, the project aims to create a working group for the future supervision of the management of these areas. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: Elimination or significant reduction of those agents contributing to poor ecosystem functioning; Approval of species action plans and revised management plans; Raised public awareness of the importance of these ecosystems; Evaluation of population densities and distribution of goats, rabbits, rats, mice, invasive and endemic plants, gulls, terrestrial molluscs and insects; Evaluation of the impact of the Argentine ant; Evaluation of the feasibility of removing an overhead power line in Ponta de São Lourenço; Eradication or significant reduction of the populations of goats, rabbits, rats, mice and invasive plants; Creation of an exclusion zone free of alien vertebrates; Creation of conditions for the recovery of endemic plants, terrestrial molluscs and bats; A reduction in problems caused by seagulls; A reduction in seabird mortality; Improved taxonomic knowledge of the sites' terrestrial molluscs; Evaluation of socio-economic effects and of the restoration of ecosystem functions; and An increase in the number of visitors to the project areas.