Background The region of Trentino contains 166 Natura 2000 network sites, 75 nature reserves and 222 local reserves. The environmental value of the area is exemplified by the presence in the province of the only autochthonous population of brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the Alps. Some 30% of Trento province's territory is within the network of protected areas and 80% of the province's municipalities include at least one protected area. The current ‘multipurpose’ ecological network developed at provincial level, the Trentino Ecological Network: (TEN) contains 12 ‘Reserve Networks’, which are recognised by the provincial law 11/07. These networks aim to decentralise biodiversity management and involve local communities. However, an integrated management system of the network in the province area is lacking. Objectives The aim of this project is to prepare, on the basis of the approach of the Priority Action Frameworks (PAFs), concrete and operational measures for the Natura 2000 network. The overall objective of the 'TEN' project is to plan an integrated long-term management system and restoration programme that targets the Natura 2000 network under the jurisdiction of the province of Trento. The new management programme will encourage local responsibility, participation and integration. The specific objectives under this general goal are: To increase local management of Natura 2000 sites by municipalities and valley communities and integrate local conservation policies into agriculture, tourism and other socioeconomic activities; To increase local participation of authorities and stakeholders from different economic sectors; To establish programmes that ensure an ecological connection within the Natura 2000 network; and To promote networking among neighbouring regional authorities, thus identifying priorities at the regional level and financial instruments for achieving conservation objectives. Expected results The main quantifiable expected results are: Storage and analysis of fauna, flora and habitat data concerning the province area; Management and monitoring guidelines regarding habitats, species of European interest and the Natura 2000 network; Preparation of intervention programmes for each type of environment included in the Natura 2000 sites, providing data useful to the definition of a regional PAF (Prioritised Action Framework) in line with article 8 of the Habitat Directive; Establishment of six Reserve Networks, according to provincial law 11/2007; Implementation of 12 demonstration projects on the conservation of indigenous species and the removal of exotic species; Implementation of two socioeconomic development projects integrating the Natura 2000 network into the tourism and agriculture sectors; and Establishment of different working groups dealing with Natura 2000 agriculture-tourism (N.A.T.2000), and the management and sustainable exploitation of SCIs/SPZs close to the boundary.