Background Military areas cover a total of 1.68% of Latvia’s territory. Because of their large area and exceptional nature values, military areas often contain Natura 2000 sites. The Adazi military training area (7746.53 ha) is the largest training area in Latvia and in the Baltic States as a whole. Most of this area is a Natura 2000 site (6126 ha). It has been used for military purposes from the 1930s and became a Natura 2000 site in 2004. The site has 13 habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitat Directive (of which five are priority) and contains around 90% of the European dry heath habitats in Latvia. This habitat is threatened by overgrowth and urgent measures are required to maintain it. The territory is also the best site in Latvia for inland dunes with open grey hair-grass (Corynephorus canescens) and bent grass (Agrostis spp.). Two plant, three fish, and one invertebrate species listed in Annex II are present , as well as 21 bird species included in Annex I Bird Directive. The territory was also selected as a site due to its potential for raising public awareness on the importance of combining nature protection with land use for defence purposes. Objectives The project aimed to: Integrate nature conservation and military interests; Restore the military training area’s Natura 2000 sites, and achieve and maintain them in a favourable conservation status; and Co-operate with military Natura 2000 site managers. Results The project drew up a management plan for integrating nature conservation and military priorities for the site. The plan established a zoning system for the range of land use of the territory. The target was to get individual site rules approved by the cabinet of ministers and at least 30 individual site-users’ agreements signed. The management plan will also ensure co-ordinated management of the site, and the management capacity of the military personnel will be increased through two international conferences, other public events and education activities, daily training and the establishment of onsite education boards. A hydrological study was carried out in order to implement measures that minimise the impact of hydrological changes on species and habitats. Such actions included the removal of beaver dams and restoration of natural flows of streams. Degradation of lakes was prevented by restrictions on recreation use and education of military personnel and general public. Dune habitats were protected from damage through the zoning system established in the management plan and by educating military personnel. In addition, a total of 1075 ha of heath habitats and grasslands (habitats 4030, 4010, 2320, 6410 and 2330) were transformed to agricultural lands and their changed classification is being maintained. These areas include at least 1 000 ha of habitat 4030 European dry heath and 30 ha of habitat 2330 Inland dunes with open Corynephorus and Agrostis grasslands. A total of 306 ha of mire habitats (7110 Active raised bog * and 7120 Degraded raised bog still capable of natural regeneration) were restored and oligotrophic Lake Mazuika is being maintained in good condition in the project site. Forest habitats were also targeted. A total of 247 ha of priority forest habitats (Bog woodland (91D0*), Fennoscandian deciduous swamp woods (9080*) and Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (91E0*)) were restored and vehicle access to damaged areas were closed. The forest areas have also been cleared of rubbish. Finally, five years after the end of the project, at least 1 600 ha had been cleared of unexploded ammunition. Education and awareness activities aimed at the general public were conducted to prevent future damage to habitats. As a result of the project, the public is much more aware of Natura 2000 sites and its attitude towards their conservation is positive. Moreover, all military personnel of the National Armed Forces receives training on nature protection issues. The training programme created within the scope of the project is used in infantry schools and at the National Defence Academy. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).